Mrs. Donna A. (Nelson) Coffman, 87, of Gilson, Illinois, passed away at 1:15 am on Friday, October 15, 2021, at the Courtyard Estates of Knoxville.
Born in Galesburg, Illinois on July 11, 1934, to Gilbert and Myrtle (VonTobel) Nelson, Donna was the third of four children.
Donna graduated from Galesburg High School in 1952. She married Sam Coffman Jr. at Coldbrook Christian Church on September 12, 1952. They settled on the farm, built a home, and raised three children.
Donna is survived by her children, Lynn Coffman of Riverside, California, Jim (Gail) Coffman of Maquon and Gail (David) Bender of Saginaw, Michigan; her brother, Richard (Joan) Nelson of Farmers Branch, Texas; her sister, Carol (Ken) Nelson of Champaign, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Jocelyn (Ruben) Araos, Thomas (Amber) Ferran, Mike (Dana) Coffman, Sarah (Adam) Mahrt, Abby (Terry Smith) Bender, Dan (Kathy) Bender, and Matt (Sarah) Bender; and eight great grandchildren; Ethan and Evan Coffman, Andreia and Zachary Mahrt, Jason and Ryan Bender, and Luke and Emily Bender.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Sam, on May 29, 2020, her parents, and her sister, Marilyn Vernon.
Donna’s talents were many, A consummate homemaker, she was a talented soprano and a skilled seamstress. But she will most be remembered for her delicious homemade pies and her kindness. Family was always her number one priority.
Donna was a past member of the Knoxville Junior Women’s Club, a past volunteer of the Cottage Hospital Service Guild, a member of the Meet Your Neighbors Club, a 61-year member of PEO Chapter AN, and an avid tennis player.
A Celebration of Donna’s Life will be held from 5:30-7:30 pm Sunday, October 24, 2021, at the Hidden Hills Vineyard and Winery, Knoxville, Illinois. Lite refreshments will be provided. Cremation will be accorded. A Graveside service will be held at 10:30 am Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Illinois, with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Memorial contributions in Donna’s memory may be made to the Galesburg Community Foundation to benefit the Sam and Donna Coffman Endowment Fund. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Galesburg is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
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