Donna Louise Strong passed away from lung cancer June 26th, 2016 at her home in Hamilton, Montana, surrounded by her loving husband and children. Donna was born May 7th, in Superior, Nebraska, to Mark and Marie (Buresh) Muffley. Donna moved to Plains, Montana, from Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1977 and then to Hamilton in 1984, where she lived the remainder of her life. In 1998, Donna married Earl Melvin “Mel” Strong, and they shared 18 memorable and loving years together. She had five children, four with Rod Stamm of Plains - Tonya Lyden (Dan Lyden), Tiffany Freligh (Erick Freligh), Tina Rhoads, and Michael Stamm (Sylwia Stamm); and one with W. David Weber of Hamilton MT - Cassandra Weber. She also raised four stepsons - Shane Weber, Rusty Weber, Dusty Weber, and Ty Weber and had four grandchildren - Brandon Palaniuk, Brianna Palaniuk, Katlin Stamm, and Seth Rhoads. Her family included her many close friends in addition to her birds, dogs, and cats, as animals gave her purpose and joy. She was a friend of Bill W. for many years.
Donna had a diverse career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working within the hospital, nursing home, hospice care, developmental disability care, and drug and alcohol treatment fields. She cared for her patients with great love and compassion and devoted her life to caring for others, teaching those close to her that what matters most is love. She had a strong spiritual connection with her higher power and always had faith that everything happens how it’s supposed to happen, whether or not we understand why at the time, and she passed this faith on to her family.
Donna’s family would like to extend our gratitude to Home Health and Hospice of Montana and in particular to Jaini Albans, who helped Donna pass so gracefully. Donna’s celebration of life will be held at Kiwanis Park on Saturday, July 9th, from 2pm to 5pm. The memorial will start at 2pm with a potluck to follow. All are invited to attend and share in the gathering of friends and family to remember the woman who always gave more to others than herself, and whose compassion touched the lives of so many. An online registration for the potluck has been set up at http://goo.gl/z8pbzL . Contributions in lieu of flowers in Donna’s memory can be made at Ravalli County FCU, P.O. Box 598, Hamilton, MT, 59840 Please make checks payable to: Donna Strong Memorial. All contributions not used for memorial costs will be donated to the Bitterroot Humane Association in Donna’s name.
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