On Saturday, March 21, 2026, Donna Hughes; loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away at the age of 87.

Donna was the oldest daughter born to Ed and Cleo Rice in Columbus, Nebraska on February 8, 1939. She grew up in Columbus with her older brother and two younger sisters.

Donna met her future husband Lee at his best friend’s wedding and Donna’s cousin’s wedding where they were both part of the bridal party. It was love at first sight! They eloped in Council Bluffs, Iowa on May 28, 1957, and were married for 62 glorious years. To this union were born three children: Cindy, Dan, and Sheryl.

The majority of their lives Donna and Lee farmed near Willow Lake and then Watertown, SD. While living in Watertown, Donna was the manager of the dress department at Herberger’s Department Store. When Donna and Lee retired, they moved to Sioux Falls, SD.

More than anything, Donna loved her family and was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved making them their favorite pies. Donna was always known for her wonderful pie-baking skills at any family gathering or church event. Donna was always asked if she could please bring one or two of her delicious pies!

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Lee in 2020; parents Ed and Cleo; brother Earl, sister Judy Geilenkirchen, and infant brother.

Donna is survived by daughter Cindy (Jerry) of Madison Lake, MN, son Dan (Cindy) of Watertown, SD and daughter Sheryl Nelson of Sioux Falls, grandchildren Chelsea, Nick, Keegan, Ryan, Wade, Morgan, Eric, and Molly and great-grandchildren Murray, Ruby, and June. Donna is also survived by her sister Linda Hanson of Genoa, NE and sister-in-law Marylou Rice of Hayfield, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.