Donna J. Grilley, 83, Deering died on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at her home with her loving family at her side.

Donna Jean was born on August 26, 1935 in Minot, ND to Levi and Marie (Okins) Bursau. She was raised and educated near Surrey until the family moved to Norwich. She was Baptized on May 22, 1949 and Confirmed on July 3, 1949 both at the Norwich Lutheran Church. She graduated from Norwich High School in 1953 and obtained a Teaching Certificate from Minot Teachers College in 1954. She taught school for one year in Simcoe, ND.

Donna was united in marriage to Melvin L. Grilley on March 31, 1955 at Norwich. She traveled with Melvin during his 20 year career in the United States Air Force. They were stationed at air force bases near Wichita Falls TX, Moses Lake WA, Merced CA, Minot ND, Madrid Spain, Springfield MA and Grand Forks ND before returning to Minot. Following Melvin's retirement in 1975 they settled in Deering and became the owners and operators of Mel's Hardware and Repair until their retirement in 1997. After retirement Donna was active in the Congregational United Church of Christ in Deering and Minot. In particular, Donna enjoyed crocheting lap sized afghans and prayer shawls for seniors in nursing homes. She provided well over 150 "lap-ghans" and prayer shawls.

Donna's hobbies and interests included Sunday School Teacher, Cub Scout Den Mother, gardening, bird watching, knitting, quilting, crocheting, sewing, reading, solving crossword puzzles and playing cards.

Donna's loving family includes her husband of 64 years Melvin; children: Jonathan and wife Sandra of Deering, Vincent and wife Louise of Friendship WI and Terri and husband Fred Locke of Memphis TN; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; siblings: Leroy (Yvonne) Bursau and Lorraine Hanson all of Minot and Shirley Leo of Oceanside, CA; several nieces, nephews and cousins and beloved caregiver Marnita Halstengard.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

Celebration of Life Service: Congregational United Church of Christ in Minot on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens - Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association and Trinity Hospice.