Donna E. Iler

DONNA E. ILER Donna Elizabeth (Lake) Iler, age 77, of Marshall, died at the home of her daughter, Carol early Monday morning, November 6, 2006. Donna was born Feb. 15, 1929 in Marshall to Iru Don and Berniece Mildred (Waltz) Lake. She grew up in Marshall, attending Marshall schools and graduating from Marshall High School in 1947. On April 30, 1949 she was married to Raymond K. Iler. Donna was a homemaker, and the couple farmed together for many years in Leroy Township. Donna worked with Ray, doing assorted farm chores including caring for their books. They later resided in the Battle Creek area in Zephyr Hills, and moved to Marshall in 2000. Ray preceded Donna in death on Sept. 22, 2004. Donna was a long time member of Lyon Lake United Methodist Church. She was a member of Women Of The Moose of Moose Lodge #676. She enjoyed many years of camping at Tri Lake Trails with husband Ray. She loved playing cards, and organized a large euchre group at Tri Lake Trails, that still plays today. She liked bingo also. Above all else, Donna loved her family. With that in mind, she made a particularly hard decision earlier this year to not undergo kidney dialysis. In a writing to her family she based her decision on her faith. "Please don''t mourn for me," Donna said, "They say I will be in a better place and I believe it because I''ll be with Ray for ever! I love you all!" Donna stayed active, playing bingo and cards until she absolutely was bed ridden! Surviving are her daughter, Carol Sue Williams and her son, Raymond K. Iler Jr. both of Battle Creek; her granddaughter, LaShonia (Bart) Leonard of Paw Paw and her 3 great-grandchildren, Alexander, Samantha, and Maya Leonard; her sister, Iris (Robert ) Lewis of Marshall; and nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, Jack Lake in 1989, and Robert Lake in 1986, and also a brother in infancy in 1933. Friends may call at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Tuesday 6PM to 8PM where the family will be present to greet friends and share memories. Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday at 10:30A.M. at Kempf Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Lyon Lake Cemetery. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to Lifespan Hospice or Lyon Lake United Methodist Church. Assistance with memorials is available at Kempf Funeral Home.