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Donna G. Perry, 85, passed away March 8, 2023. Donna's death was unexpected and quick, but she passed easily into the hands of the Lord and we thank God for that. Donna was born April 23, 1937, in Helena Montana to Esther (Craig) and Thomas Curtis. Her father passed away when she was very young, as did her mother's four sisters' husbands in a relatively short period of time. The five sisters lived close together until some remarried, three or four would work while the others would care for all the kids. Consequently, Donna lived several places while growing up including Helena; Libby; Port Townsend, Washington; Missoula; and finally Great falls. She graduated from Great Falls High School in 1956. Her class was and was/is very active with close relationships to this day. Donna had attended a monthly class luncheon the day she passed. She met her lifelong mate and partner Denny Perry in 1953. They married in December 1958 and had a great marriage for 64 years. Donna went to work in a Great Falls bank while Denny was completing College in Bozeman. She thoroughly enjoyed being a teller, bookkeeper and accountant and remained close friends with several co-workers throughout her life.

Once married, they moved to Bozeman where Denny took additional college courses while Donna worked in a bank. They were drafted into the Army in 1959 and that started several years of moving, living in different places, meeting new people, and doing different jobs. She excelled at it all and always made lifelong friends.

Moving to Hooks, Texas where first son Clayton was born then to Fort Benton, Montana to farm and ranch in Chouteau County with Denny's dad. They welcomed daughter, Michelle and son, Curtis while living on the farm.

She joined The Order of Eastern Star in Fort Benton, which remained a valued and enjoyable activity for 62 years. Again, making many lifelong friends. She and Denny enjoyed bowling there during their time in Fort Benton.  Denny went to work with Boeing in January 1966 in Great Falls.

Moving then to Conrad, Montana; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Fort Worth, Texas; Kent, Washington; then finally to Choteau Montana in 1977 making that a “permanent home”. She made lifelong friends everywhere they moved, and became very proficient at packing, getting the kids’ records to transfer into a new school, moving and setting up a new home full of love. Always opening her home to her, the kids’, and Denny's new friends. Donna also found time to be an Avon lady and also sold Minnesota Woolens. She enjoyed those endeavors, was very successful, and again made many friends.

Eastern Star was an important lifelong activity as was Daughters of the Nile, helping raise significant funds for several charities with a special place in her heart for the Shriner Hospital for children in Spokane. She was active in community affairs. She enjoyed skiing, bowling, golf, traveling to visit friends, camping and whatever adventure came around. She particularly enjoyed her family. Kids, Grand Daughters Shianne, Madison and Alexandrea and Grandson Dean. Daughters in law were just additional daughters to be loved.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years Denny, Sons and daughters-in-laws Clay and Terri and Curt and Laurie, Granddaughters Shianne (Logan) Schmidt, Madison Perry and Alexandrea Perry and Grandson Dean Perry and Great Grand Son Griffin Schmidt. Nieces Donna Brayman and Cindy [Jerry]

Jones and Nephew Doug[ Kathy] Brayman; Grand Nieces and nephew Aja [Dave]Cowart and Amanda Jones, Brooke, Becky, Tara, Lindsey Brayman, Caitlin Moore; and lots of other young people that called her "Mom".

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Joy and Tom Brayman; and Daughter, Michelle.

A celebration of Donna's life will be held April 22 in Trinity Lutheran Church in Choteau, Montana at 2PM.

In lieu of flower memorials, please donate to Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane or a deserving charity of your choice.