Donna M. Richter-Jones, age 81 of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away to go to Jesus in heaven and the loved ones who went before her, on Saturday, December 24, 2016.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2016 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home, 512 Main St., Friendship, WI. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Donna was born on February 22, 1935 in Platteville, Wisconsin to Purl Butson and (Russell) Butson. She grew up on the family farm that she called “a little piece of heaven” and attended nearby elementary school.
She graduated from Platteville High School and went on to get her teaching license and Bachelor of Science Degree from U.W. Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI. Donna graduated in 1957 and married Alexander F. Richter on Aug. 17, 1957.
For the 25 years they were married, she helped him and supported him in his jobs in Vocational Agriculture. She taught at the High School Level and was also a substitute teacher for many years. Together they raised 4 children. (She retired in 1995.)
Donna was a loving and faithful daughter, wife, and mother and she taught her children about life and God.
On May 27, 2003 Donna married Melvin L. Jones. They enjoyed spending their time outdoors, tending their gardens and taking meticulous care of their lawn. Fishing was a passion as long as the fish were biting.
Donna and Melvin were members of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Adams, Wisconsin.
Donna was always known for her easy smile and for being an advocate for the American Red Cross, donating 72 gallons of blood in her lifetime. Donna loved to sew and made many beautiful quilts, and worked on many craft projects. She had a strong love for family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Donna and Mel also had a passion for the Brewers and the Packers.
Donna died knowing that she was saved by God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice and that she was going to be with him.
Survivors include her sister Doris (Gale) Puerner of Fort Atkinson; her children Mary Richter-Pitner (Jim) Milwaukee, WI, Kathryn (Michael) Lutz, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Dianna (Russell) Krist, Troy, IL, Alan Richter and Laura Waulk, Friendship, WI. Four grandchildren, Ashley Krist, Beaver Dam, WI, Raven Krist, Troy, IL, Shalyn Krist, Troy, IL, & Liam Krist, Troy, IL. Donna is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Purl and Ruth, husband Alex Richter, infant son John Charles, husband Melvin L. Jones, a brother Melvin Butson, two sisters Marilyn and Diane Butson.
Our mom treasured and valued most: her faith, family, and friends.
Her children admit learning from their mother the qualities of trust, kindness, courage, compassion, sacrifice, love, a strong work-ethic, and how to pray & constantly thank God for what they do have.
Most of all they learned from her how to give without thought of getting something in return.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Heartland Hospice Services and the amazing caregivers and residents of Arborview Court Memory Care of Wisconsin Rapids, WI.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Donna M. Richter-Jones Memorial
My sympathies to your family. I remember her as Mrs. Richter. She was a good teacher.
I am sorry Diane, Kathy, Mary, and Alan she was a great woman and it was a pleasure to have know her as a friend, mentor. I am grestful she was apart of my children’s life as well. She is now an Angel in heaven. God Bless and much love to all… Tammy, Michael, and Joseph
Mary, Kathy and family,
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wanda (Boer) Hoefle
My prayers & thoughts go out to Donna’s family. Donna was a good person who always thought about students, neighbors and community. I remember one time she dropped everything and came to my house and took me to the emergency room after I had injured myself. She was always helping when needed to whoever needed it. I was fortunate to have known her.
She was a good teacher and one of the biggest reasons I started my career in healthcare. I still till this day can remember her saying “you can do it” she believed in all of her student’s and truly cared for us. Over the years I enjoyed seeing her every now and then and talking, even then she was so encouraging. She is someone I will always remember. It’s amazing how much teachers can impact your life in so many ways……she did this always in a very positive way. I will never forget her. sorry for your loss hold your memories close.
Kathy, so sorry for your loss. I believe her and my mom are having fun in heaven
Mary, Kathy, Dianna and Al. So sorry for you loss Donna is at peace now. I won’t be able to attend the service but hugs to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Our deepest and most heart felt thoughts and prayers to all family and friends.
Kathy, I’m sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady. Keep your memories close to your heart.
Fond memories of Donna, my cousin, and all she did to help her Mom & Dad until they passed. Her sister, Marilyn, was the same age as me so we were best friends & had many sleep overs and fun times on the farm. Peace be with Donna and all the family who have passed before her. Sympathy to her family as she now rests in heaven.
Barbara (Butson) Slattery
My prayers are with your family. Many good memories teaching with your mom. She is in a good place. God Bles
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family
Mary, Kathy, Dianna, and Alan, you all have our profound sympathy. Your mom and dad were a wonderful Aunt and Uncle to Paula and I. We have fond memories of visiting their/ your home on several occasions for picnics and family gatherings. Donna was so good to our mom (Rose). Keep her in your hearts and she will be with you always. You are all in our prayers. Deb & Jeff Zwicky, and Rose Randall
Mary, Kathy and family – I am sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. I have many fond memories of spending time at your house. Keep the special memories close to your heart and you will carry her with you always.
My thoughts are with all of you on this loss. She touched many lives and made a difference to everyone that knew her.
Kathy and Mary, so sorry to hear of your loss.
You have my sympathy. Donna was a great lady. May God grant you peace.
Diana,Russ,and your whole family I am so sorry for your loss of your Mom. Sending thoughts and prayers for all.
She was and always will be one of my favorite teachers. She made learning fun and now she is where she should be. An angel. Sorry for your loss.
Donna will always have a special place in our hearts! She touched so many people in such a positive way. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dianna and Family-
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Mrs. Richter was always so encouraging and empowering. I am honored to have known her. Thanks for sharing your wonderful mom with all of her students.
So sorry for you loss Mary, Kathy and family. Such good memories of your Mom, always smiling and so kind.
Sorry for you loss Mary and Kathy. I have such good memories of your Mom, always smiling and so kind.
Heaven gained another Angel. She was the sweetest lady and teacher. Many good times and laughs were had in our class. God bless and comfort your family~
Thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary, Kathy and family. She was a wonderful lady. Thankfully she is no longer suffering and she is happy and back to herself again.
Sorry for your loss she was a great teacher and friend
Sorry for your loss
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Miss Donna was an amazing woman. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to take care of her. I will love her forever
So sorry for your loss Mary and family, haven’t seen any of you for quite some time.
So sorry to hear of your loss, I know my childhood days were better because of being around this lovely woman.
Dear friends I am sorry for your lose Sometimes you meet people in life that you will never forget We all need someone to pull a nail out our foot sometimes
So very sorry for your loss. She was the kindest lady I ever had the honor of knowing, she will be missed.
So happy to have had the pleasure to work with Donna at the high school. She definitely touched many lives and will be missed.
So sorry for your loss, I’ve talked many times throughout the years of her as she was one of my favorite teachers. She touched my heart deeply. Heaven has one amazing Angel in her. She will never be forgotten.
Alan, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She sounded like an amazing woman
Very sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family.
We feel your sorrow and pain. Stay strong.
Dear Dianna and Family,
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother was a woman for whom I felt deep respect and appreciation. She had the capacity to impart wisdom without it appearing forced or parental. Her credibility was remarkable and I will remember her graceful presence the rest of my life.
She was a great mentor with students with disabilities and did her best to meet all their needs. Never complained! I am sure she was the idol of great moms. And as a beginning teacher a great co-worker with great inclusion at such an early era!
Tom had the honor of being her Assistant Principal and she was a wonderful and caring person.
What a fantastic lady. I am so sorry for your loss.
So sorry Dianna, Mary, Kathy, Al and family. She touched many lives throughout the years. Remember the good times. Hugs and prayers to all.
Sorry for your loss. Many good memories of this wonderful lady.
Heaven gained another Angel, Mrs. Richter was not only beautiful inside and out, but she was a remarkable woman who was a second mother to a lot of the youth in our small community, she was a great mentor, and an awesome teacher who I had a privilege of having for Health Careers class, you were loved by so many and you will truly be missed.
Dianna and family,
You have our deepest sympathies. Your mom was an amazing teacher & mentor. She guided without you even knowing it sometimes. She will truly be missed. Prayers for strength. I know she is watching from above, a true angel.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. May you find comfort in the Lord above.
So sorry for your loss..! She was a truly wonderful lady. We who were lucky enough to have her as a teacher are better for the experience. Our prayers are with you all.
so sorry on the loss of your mother. I have many memories of her. great lady. may God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time.
Mary & Kathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We had some great times at your house, good memories of your mom. She was a very nice lady!
Sorry for your loss. Please know she touched many lives as a teacher. She was such a loving lady.
We are all better people for having know such an amazing, genuine,gentle lady!
Our thoughts and prayers to her family.
She was a wonderful woman with a heart of gold.
My deepest sympathy to Diana, Al and siblings, she truly was a Great teacher and friend. She will missed.
The world was a better place because of Mrs. Richter, now heaven is. She helped guide me in my youth when I needed it the most.
Thoughts and prayers to my high school pal, Mary and the whole family. Great memories staying at your house, talking with your Mom and petting the “pet” raccoons.
My deepest sympathies to the family. May she Rest In Peace.
Great lady, sorry for your loss.
A Great lady and even better teacher. May she rest in peace, a job well done.
So sorry for your loss Mary, Kathy and All! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Another one of my greatest clients friend and teacher enters heaven. I was grateful to know her for many years. She is in a better place now! I will miss her dearly.
God took a wonderful lady. God bless her family. Thoughts and prayers.
Sorry for your loss. She was an awesome woman! May you continue to be blessed with many wonderful memories of her especially now.
A remarkable woman who wasn’t afraid to show people how much she cared. Our condolences to all who were touched in their life by her presence.
Sorry for you loss. She was a wonderful giving woman.
What a great lady, All our prayers.
She was a mentor to me and so many other students. She helped me confirm my desire to be a nurse and encouraged me in so many ways. I am thankful to have known her.
So sorry for your families loss
Sorry for your loss..
Wishes of peace and serenity to all of Donna’s family.