FURNEL, Donna G. (1933-2017)

FURNEL

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 1/28/2019 at 23:57:26

Donna Gayle Furnel
(June 24, 1933 - November 15, 2017)

Services for Donna Gayle Furnal, 84, who passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2017, will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 20 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with burial following in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Donna Furnal entered the world as Donna Lester on June 24, 1933, to parents Don and Maude Lester of Liberty Center, IA. In 1950, the Lesters moved to a farm in Hartford. Donna attended school there and graduated as valedictorian in 1952. In 1954, Donna married Charles Furnal, and together they had three children: Kevin, Jeff and Julie.
In 1976, Donna moved to Indianola. She served as a deputy recorder for Warren County, worked at the Indianola Record Herald, and became a realtor at Iowa Realty, where she retired in 2009. Following retirement, Donna found joy and purpose in working part-time at WeLIFT, a non-profit organization designed to help people become economically self-sufficient.
Ironically, standing not even five feet tall, Donna lived a big life. She was social and thrived on connection. Her Facebook friends understood this, as did those she visited with at Crouse Café, Burger King and Indianola’s nursing homes. Donna loved to hunt, fish and play pool, and she made a mean peanut brittle. She was a warm presence with a twinkle in her eye and a hint of orneriness in her spirit. Her giggle filled the ears and hearts of many.
Donna’s legacy includes seven grandchildren: Nathan, Lindsay, Tyson, Garrett, Colton, Tanner and Megan. And 10 great-grandchildren. As best she could, Donna attended their many games, concerts, recitals and special events. If she couldn’t be a face in the crowd, she quickly followed up to hear the outcomes and celebrate their accomplishments, win or lose. These children, many now adults, felt her love and support until her last day. And they will continue to do so, as she will be with them always.
For 84 years, Donna lived life with faith, compassion and love. In her honor, we should all do the same.
Visitation will be held 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 19 at Overton Funeral Home with family present from 2 to 4 p.m. Memorials may be given to WeLift or Indianola Community Church. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/