Donna Footer Schuyler was born on July 17, 1944, in Miles City, Montana. She was the third and youngest daughter of Earlon and Hilda Fisher. Her father worked road construction in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. He was notified of Donna’s birth by telegram. The family lived in Miles City from 1943 to 1956 while school was in session and spent time during the summers wherever her dad was working. The family moved to Rapid City, SD in 1957 and Livingston, MT in 1958. Donna attended high school at Park County High school in Livingston, MT, where she met Gerald “Jerry” George Footer. On December 28, 1960, Donna and Jerry were married in Bozeman, Montana. They had three children: Laurie, Jeff, and Brett. They raised their children in Billings, Montana, where Donna primarily served as a stay-at-home mother during their early years. Later, she worked for Billings Public Schools as a bus driver. She then transitioned to Great Harvest Bread Bakery and Hennessey’s Department Store.
In the fall of 1979, Donna trusted Christ for salvation through the ministry of Fellowship Baptist Church in the Lockwood area of Billings. This changed the course of her life.
In 1983, Donna and Jerry divorced. On September 18, 1987, she married Dr. George Schuyler, a dentist in Billings, Montana. Donna became a beloved member of George’s four sons’ families and worked as a receptionist in his dental office. Donna and George taught children’s Sunday School classes at their church. They were also involved with the Walk to Emmaus ministry. After George’s retirement, they began traveling around the United States as well as taking trips to Mexico, Israel and Egypt. They attended church wherever they went and formed numerous friendships along the way.
In June 2011, Donna was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. George and Donna relocated to Morning Star Senior Living Community in 2018, with George assuming the role of Donna’s caretaker. During this time, she enjoyed being a part of the exercise class, Movers to the Word, at Emmanuel Baptist Church. George passed away from COVID-19 on August 27, 2020, after nearly 33 years of marriage.
Donna’s children brought her to Lufkin, Texas, where she resided in a memory care unit, allowing her to have a closer connection to them. She passed away on May 30, 2025.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters Elvira and Eleanor, step-son Bob Schuyler, son-in-law Richard Schultz and niece Maribeth Coleman.
Donna is survived by her children: Laurie Schultz of Lufkin, TX; Jeff (Keri) Footer of Atlanta, TX; Brett (Carol) Footer of Abilene, TX; Chuck (Lorna) Schuyler of Missoula, MT; Bill (Barb) Schuyler of Billings, MT; and Dave (Laurie) Schuyler of Billings, MT. She was also survived by 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, nieces: Rosanne (Lynn) Hofland and Donna Bretzke, nephews: Melvin (Eve) Bretzke, Richard (Sheila) Bretzke and Steven (Tania) Bretzke as well as numerous other family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Kelty’s First Baptist Church in Lufkin, TX, on Saturday, July 12 at 11:00. Her final resting place will be at Custer County Cemetery in Miles City, MT.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Holly King says
Aww, Donna…such a dear person. She made friends wherever she went. We became fast friends when we both started school bus driving and found out we lived close to each other. Even though we didn’t continue driving we kept our friendship going. I would stop to see her whenever I came back to Billings. Sadly, we eventually lost touch. I remember all of her kids and Bret babysat my kids. I do miss Donna and I’m thankful her kids took such good care of her
Judy Ortt says
I remember your lovely mother and George very well while they were at Emmanuel Baptist. They were committed to one another in a special way. May you have the wonderful memories of Donna prior to her illness, knowing that you will be reunited with her one day!
Willeen Erpenbachl says
Dona was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. She always had a smile on her face and she’d always help anyone that needed it. We enjoyed a lot of years as friends and our children became friends as well. So glad I had a chance to get to know Donna. So glad she’s in heaven, walking, leaping and praising God.