Donna McGaugh, 88, of Chelsea, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen, SD, surrounded by her loving family.

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2023, at the United Methodist Church, Cresbard with Pastor Seth Duncan presiding. A reception will follow in the Cresbard Community Center.

Donna Gail Holt was born August 30, 1934, to Doris (Allen) and Howard Holt, by a midwife in Mansfield, SD.  She was raised on the family farm near Chelsea, where she also lived most of her life.  Donna graduated from Cresbard High School in 1952.  On June 8, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart David McGaugh, and from that union they had five children: David (Corky) McGaugh, Debra McGaugh, Krystal (Steve) Benning, Sue (Richard) Fox and Scott (Kay) McGaugh.

Donna was a member of the United Methodist Church in Cresbard and many ladies’ groups in the church.  She taught UMYF, was a dedicated leader supporting her children in 4-H, and a member of Eastern Star and received her 50 year pin several years ago.

Donna was a strong, hard working farm wife, mother, partner, and master of many things – “best cook ever” and she was known for her delicious chocolate pie. She could sew anything from curtains to wedding dresses and grew beautiful flowers and vegetables in her greenhouse and gardens.  She helped care for all the farm animals and lambing season was her favorite.  After she could no longer tend to the animals, she still went outside to feed and care for the cats.  She vowed she wouldn’t leave the farm until her work was done and God called her home.

Donna’s true joy was her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  She was dearly loved by one and all.  She loved watching them in their school activities and sporting events when she could get to them; and when she couldn’t anymore, she watched on her I-pad or TV.  She was very proud of each of them in all of their accomplishments.  She played cards and board games with them all, and the little ones loved her stash of toys in the living room.  She kept close track of each calendar month, and every family member received a card with money on their birthday.

Grateful for sharing in her life are her children; grandchildren: Carl, John, David, James, Heidi, Travis, Sarah, Amanda, Patrick, Michael, Andrew, Jacklyn, Cari, Ryan, Justin, Angela, Daniel, Jeffrey and Abby; 52 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; beloved sister, Vonnie Melius; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, David McGaugh; parents, Howard and Doris (Allen) Holt; in-laws: Gene, Margaret (Gerdes) and Inez (Gabler) McGaugh; sister, Jean (Holt) Johnson; brother, Pete Holt; and brothers-in-law: Doug McGaugh, Lyle Melius, and Chuck Johnson.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Donna’s arrangements.

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