Donna Jean (Grainger) Wendt, 88

Donna Jean (Grainger) Wendt passed away Feb. 23, 2021, with her sons at her side.

She was born to Lawrence and Elizabeth Grainger Dec. 17, 1932, in Glasgow, Montana. Donna moved to Kalispell with her family in 1949 and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1950. She married Roger Wendt Oct. 8, 1950, in Creston, where they raised their four children, Diane (Tom) Brunkow of Gresham, Oregon, Duane (Pam) Wendt of Kalispell, Carol (Jerry) DeRego of Warner, New Hampshire, and Jim (Charlotte) Wendt of Kalispell.

Donna is survived by her children; nine grandchildren, Laura Sullivan, Nathaniel Wendt, Peter DeRego, Shane Salisbury, Diana DeRego, Heather Roberts, Jennifer Johnson, Brandon and Brock Wendt; 14 great-grandchildren, Lily Turay, Mahala, James, Noah, Jonah Roberts, Gabe and Zoe Wendt, Angela and Bryan Wells, Maribel, Daniel, Cecilia, Vivian DeRego and Jessica Johnson; brother, Harold Grainger; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Roger preceded her in death Nov. 27, 2020.

Donna canned vegetables from her garden, took her family berry picking, made jam and syrup, and always had baked goods on hand for family and visitors. She was known for her legendary apple and huckleberry pies, homemade bread, cookies, cakes and pastries. She was one of the original members of the Gabba Gabba Club in Creston. Donna was mom not only to her children but to all their friends. The door to her home was always open.

Donna worked as a medical assistant for doctors in Kalispell. After her retirement, she traveled the country with Roger in their motor home, spending summers at the Elks campground in Kalispell. Donna made many friends wherever she went.

Graveside services will be held March 11 at noon at Fairview Cemetery. A celebration of life for Donna and Roger will be held July 17, 1 p.m. at the Hampton Inn, Kalispell.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence; or cards can be sent to Jim Wendt, 160 Jellison Road, Kalispell, MT 59901.

In lieu of flowers, memorials on her behalf can be sent to Shodair Children’s Hospital, 2755 Colonial Drive, Helena, MT.