Donna Lynn (Kilborn) VanPelt
Donna Lynn (Kilborn) VanPelt, 79, Linwood, MI, passed peacefully at home on March 22, 2024, with her family beside her after a long illness. She was born on May 8, 1944, in Ypsilanti, MI, to Karl and Dorothy Kilborn. She was married on February 18, 1967, in Bay City, MI, to Gary VanPelt, who was her lifelong partner. Together they raised four daughters: Sherri Kilborn Siebert, Lisa (Brian) Roper, Lori (Kyle) VanPelt and Terri (Kevin) Podgorniak. Gary, Lisa, Lori, and Terri all survive. Daughter Sherri Siebert predeceased her.
Donna was proud when she and Gary purchased a house in Linwood. As their family grew, Donna sought to create a rich and full life for her children. Their home became the focal point for countless family gatherings. Donna’s homemaking skills branched out to include sewing, baking, gardening, canning, and decorating. She excelled in all areas and was proud of the life – as well as cupboards full of the beautiful canned food – she helped create. The garden that she and Gary tended was large and produced a bountiful harvest that they shared with family, friends, and neighbors. In addition, sewing Halloween costumes and making cookies for school events for her children and grandchildren were among Donna’s many specialties – all delivered on time and with love.
As their daughters grew up, Donna was the coach of the Purple Streak softball team and she was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader -- the fun they had was legendary. In her 50’s, Donna joined the Red Hat Society and loved the social connection the club provided. She was also a member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and was proud of the heritage she shared with her beloved mother Dorothy Kilborn and grandmother Mary Smith.
As busy as she was, Donna was always willing to stop what she was doing if her mother, or any of her children, or grandchildren called and asked if she’d like to go shopping. She was a willing partner in all retail pursuits and no bargain was left behind.
Donna understood children and how to bring out the best in them. A simple wink or a smile from Donna engendered pure joy; and kids loved being with her. She always had a steady stream of kids waiting to sit on her lap while others stood close by, all sharing their stories. The remembrances that each family member has of Donna will help sustain them as they grieve her passing.
In 1962, Donna graduated from T.L. Handy High School in the era where girls wore ponytails, plaid skirts, and saddle shoes. As a young woman, Donna worked a variety of jobs including assembly line work at Made Rite Potato Chip Company, and Golf Development. She was proud that she could earn money and make her way in the world; especially in the years she was a single parent to Sherri. They were a dynamic force who dealt with many challenges, together.
As her children grew into adulthood and ventured out into the world, Donna kept her pantry stocked as if they lived at home. When they came home to visit and remotely hinted they needed something, Donna would insist they take it from the house. The children were always welcome at home, regardless of where life took them.
Her children more than returned that generosity when their mother faced breast cancer, and other severe illness later in life. They, along with Gary, provided Donna with love and compassionate care as she had taught them by example. In her final years, they were assisted by caregivers Tiffany Roe and Katelynn Foor whom they extend sincere thanks and appreciation.
She was predeceased by her parents; her mother- and father-in-law, Della and Merle VanPelt; brothers Roger Smith, Richard Kilborn, and Kevin Kilborn; sister Jane Kilborn; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Kilborn, Helen Kilborn, Shari VanPelt, and Carol Smith; brother-in-law Albert VanPelt; and nephew Karl Van Kilborn II. Donna is survived by several brothers and sisters, including: Jon Kilborn, Karl Van Kilborn, Joel Kilborn, Lance Kilborn (Sue Ralph) Linda Kilborn, Cheryl Kilborn (James Tarchinski), Elaine Kilborn, Patricia Kilborn, Susan Sullivan, Deb Munger, and Dennis VanPelt. Also mourning her passing are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including: Kati and Kylah Roper; Chelsea, Jeremy, Blake, and Brody Haga; Shelbi, Chad, Wrenly, and Reese Ramon; Brandon Roper; Zachary (Hanna), Paislee, and Jacob Erndt; Keeli and Adam Meyer, and Carter Podgorniak.
Her brothers and sisters will remember her for her kindness. While growing up, she was the big sister who instead of losing her temper, showcased her little sister in an impromptu family fashion show after her want-to-be little sister cut the leg off Donna’s favorite pajamas and made a big-girl tight skirt; the reliable sister who jumped in the car late at night to get a cake mix when her little brother sheepishly shared that he had signed up to bring two dozen cupcakes to school the following morning; and the save-the-day big sister who went to the Farm Bureau to buy much-needed rabbit food after her little brother brought home a rabbit that he thought for sure was a male only to soon discover “he” was a “she” who announced her gender with the birth of a very large litter of baby bunnies.
Road trips, cookouts, pool parties, and Aunt Donna as the best babysitter will long be remembered by her many nieces and nephews, including: Reginald, Nathan and Jason VanPelt; Ryan and Deni VanPelt; Jeff Kilborn; Nelson Hurst; Lance and Brooke Kilborn; Kevin and Joel Kilborn, and Lauren Pauwels; Robert Tarchinski; Troy and Denise Wrisley; Shelly Solinski and Kim Kilborn, and their sisters Tammy Ludy and Holly White, whom Donna also loved as nieces.
Donna helped people fix things – from broken bikes to broken hearts. It was her nature and we loved her for it. She will forever be a presence in our lives.
Funeral services have been entrusted to the Lee Ramsay Funeral Home, 107 E. 2nd Street, Pinconning, MI 48650. As Donna had requested, cremation will take place, visitation will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 5:00 p.m. with Pastor Reed Schroer presiding. If you seek to honor Donna with a contribution, please consider the Wishes of the Family.
Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home, Pinconning, MI, was in charge of arrangements.