Donna (Mapes) Raber

Donna (Mapes) Raber, 77, of Winterset, passed away Friday, April 7, 2017 at Crest Haven Care Center in Creston. A visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Ochiltree Funeral Service in Winterset. A memorial service will follow beginning at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to her family. Donna Irene Mapes was born September 4, 1939, the daughter of Ralph and Gladys Mapes. She went to school in Winterset and met her husband, Howard Raber her freshman year of high school. They were married June 7, 1958. Donna worked as a secretary for the Winterset Senior High School while her husband was away in the army for four years. She then was a homemaker and farm wife until February of 1985 when she became a secretary at Parr Manufacturing. Donna retired from Parr in September of 2004. Donna and her husband had a special bond. A truer love story could not have been written. They were married for fifty-eight years. It could be said that they took the vow for better or worse in a very solid manner. Donna helped Howard through several serious health and medical situations and he cared for her as Alzheimer’s slowly took her away. Donna was known for her loving spirit. She was full of laughter and love for her family and friends. Her spirit came out even when she was failing. It was not uncommon when accompanying her children to the store that she would go up to total strangers and tell them she loved them. This truly spoke to who she was. Her children feel so blessed to have the special moments that come from caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. She had a special love for her grandchildren, Richie and Lindsey Rose. Her grandson, Richie has many pleasant memories such as grandma being Mrs. Magillicutty and yelling “whooo hooo” to him as a young boy and then later her yelling as he scored a touchdown in high school. She also was known for showing her guns (muscles) with him as he grew into a young man. She loved watching her granddaughter, Lindsey Rose dance and loved spending time doing girly things. Donna was so happy when she watched Lindsey collect Easter eggs and open Christmas presents. She felt blessed to have a special girl and boy to love. Donna’s kind and loving outlook on life and her love for family will be forever missed. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Diane Bales of Winterset; her son, Eric (Steph) Raber of Earlham; granddaughter, Lindsey Rose; grandson, Richie of Omaha, NE; her brothers, Gean Mapes and Dean (Barb) Mapes both of Winterset; her sister, Mary Mundell of Winterset; and many nieces and nephews, friends and family. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; and her granddaughter, Nichole.