Donalene LaVerne McLeod, age 87, joined her heavenly father on April 2, 2023, at the Wibaux County Nursing Home.
Donalene was born in Glendive, Montana on July 13, 1935, to Donald and Beatrice (Haines) McLeod. She joined two sisters, Betty (Jack) Milmine and Norma “Jean” (Clarence) Bennett. Her dad died of pneumonia in January of 1935. When Doni was very young, her mother married Hank Freestad and moved to the Sanders/Hysham area where she was joined with two half-brothers, David (Judith) Freestad and Roger (Diane) Freestad. Doni graduated in 1953 from Custer County High School in Miles City. She worked at the movie theatre during high school, then worked at the welfare office before she joined the Fish, Wildlife & Parks. She worked for FWP for over 30 years.
Doni was very involved with the Presbyterian Church. She taught Sunday School, helped with Country Store and the annual rummage sale. She served on several committees and was an elder. She also participated in bible studies and women’s group. She cherished her church family. She was also involved in Degree of Honor and Rainbows. Doni loved kids, especially babies. She was always wanting to hold a baby when she saw one. She didn’t have any children of her own but when her sister was stricken with polio, she helped raise her kids, especially the two younger ones. She enjoyed reading, bowling, crocheting, and collecting cups and saucers along with bells and dolls. She also enjoyed playing card games and was known to be very competitive. Doni was a very giving person, not only of her time but made monetary donations to people and animals. She enjoyed traveling and was able to visit Egypt in 1978.
Doni was preceded in death by her parents and stepdad, her two sisters, two half-brothers, two nephews Larry and Dale Bennett, and her niece Megan Freestad. She is survived by her nephews and nieces: Waine (Sharon) Milmine, Lee (Angie) Milmine, Don (Deb) Milmine, Marian (Jack) Larson, Earl (Laura) Bennett, Lyle (Darcy) Bennett, Henry Freestad, Kim Freestad, Dawn (Nick) Pippanich, Kristy Brenden and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday April 10, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2023
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday April 11, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday April 10, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2023
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday April 11, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Sharon Volkman says
Another classmate gone. It was good to know you, Donalene
Vickie krause says
So sorry to hear this!! We always have nice talks when we ran into each other. Last time I seen her she was waiting to get a shot in her eye. May she be free of pain & see the heavens above.
LaVerne Jones Hebner says
I remember her from way back in high school. It was always so good to see her when home and visiting church. A very pleasant and friendly person thru the years. Bless you Donalene.
Jackie Zent says
I remember Donalene when she lived in Sanders. We were great friend in those days. Sorry to her passing,
I will remember her in my prayers.
Beth Riggs says
We worked with Donalene at MT Fish Wildlife and Parks. Then I worked with her on many church projects. She was always fun, with a quick sense of humor and a helpful. We will really miss her. May God send his comfort and peace.
Love from Beth and Vic Riggs
Nancy Torgrimson Gerch says
Donalene was a good friend of my mother, Lela Torgrimson. I have fond memories of her when I was a little girl. Condolences to her remaining family.
Jan ronning says
Aunt Doni was a very special person and the ultimate lady in her pencil skirts and high heels. She was loving and so kind.
God Bless her for putting up with all of the little “heathens” she helped raise in the neighborhood. You have reward coming to you!!