Donnette Rexford, 57, of Hysham, Montana passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Hysham, Montana on March 19th, 2020. Donnette was born on March 23, 1962 to Don and Kay (Farber) Rexford in Billings, Montana. She was the youngest of three children.
Donnette grew up in Hysham MT and graduated from Hysham High School in 1980. She went to Miles City Community College for two years and worked in Miles City in various capacities. She returned to Hysham as a ranch hand and cook at Grierson Ranch. After the ranch was sold, she was a cook and Junior Class concession stand sponsor at Hysham Public School for many years. She was also a bartender and a clerk at the Friendly Corner Store. Donnette did not have any children of her own, but she was a second mother to Karlie Keller who came to live with Donnette at the age of 3 until Karlie turned 16 and moved to Wyoming.
Donnette was a jack of all trades and enjoyed her many hobbies: yard work, gardening, taking care of yard plants, and especially was a great cook. She struggled with health issues later in life. Even with her physical limitations, she continued to shovel snow, mow the lawn, cook and clean.
Donnette was known for her quick wit, positive attitude, sense of humor, and was the Queen of Sarcasm. She enjoyed people and was a loyal friend. We will miss you Nettie!
She is survived by her Mother, Kay Rexford, brother Barry Rexford, sister Susan (Dennis) Keller, nephews Taylor Rexford and Cody Danielson, and niece Katie Danielson and foster daughter, Karlie Keller. Donnette was preceded in death by her father, Don Rexford.
Cindy Schaak says
My prayers go out to her mom, RIP.
Debbie Anderson says
I am so sad to hear this. I haven’t talked to Donnette in a long time, but I always enjoyed our conversation when I worked in PT at the hospital. I know she will be missed by a lot of people. My thoughts and prayers for her loved ones.
ANNA KOLB says
ITS HARD TO SAY GOOD BYE TO A CHILDHOOD CLASSMATE AND GOOD FRIEND. I ALWAYS ADMIRED DONNETTE’S (I’M NOT GOING TO FEEL SORRY FOR MYSELF ATTUTUDE) TO GO THROUGH WHAT SHE WENT THROUGH AND BE BRAVE AND EVEN MAKE FUN OF HERSELF AT TIMES. SHE WAS STRONG THAT WAY. WE HAD FUN THROUGH THE YEARS! MY SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO KAY, SUSAN AND BARRY AND OTHER FAMILY RELATIONS AND FRIENDS. SHE WILL BE MISSED! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Anna Kolb says
Donnette always liked to go horse back riding so I always took her riding. We always had a good time!
Patricia Franklin says
Kay, sorry for your loss, I’m thinking of you at this sad time. Hugs!
Barry Rexford says
Donnette was a beautiful person, she was always there for those that needed her, a true blessing of a human being. She was a tough individual and maintained the most positive attitude through the toughest of times. I was always so amazed at how she carried on with very little concern for herself but always caring for others. I will forever cherish the memories I have of her. Even though we were many miles apart we always stayed in touch. I will miss those conversations, but most of all I will miss my baby sister. 🙁
SALLY A. BORLA says
MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO ALL OF YOUR FAMILY AND I SO REMEMBER KAY FROM THE MANOR. I DID NOT KNOW KAY THAT YOUR HUSBAND DON HAD PASSED AWAY–I MET HIM SEVERAL TIMES AND HE WAS SUCH A NICE GUY. I AM SO SORRY FOR ALL OF YOU AND HOPE YOU REMEMBER ME TOO. LOVE AND GOD BLESS.
Jonette Doeden says
Kay,
Donnette always brightened the dialysis waiting room! You couldn’t help but giggle when she got on a roll! It was such a privilege to get to know her. She truly inspired all by her will to live and make the very most of life no matter what was thrown her way. We should all be more like her.
Stay strong and God Bless You.
Jonette Balsam Doeden
Kirsten Belgarde Crocker says
Kay, Susan & Barry,
My prayers and condolences to you all. Donnette was a wonderful person, I have memories of her when I was little.
Ken and ajanice Watson says
Kay and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and prayers going your way!
Vanna L. Byrd says
I never knew Donnette. She sounds like she was a wonderful person and a lot of fun. Sue and Kay, my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Nancy white says
I’m sorry to hear about Donnettes passing. Many prayers to Kay and family
Nancy Syljuberget White
Debbie and Duane Talcott says
Kay, Sue, and all your family my deepest sympathy to all of you. Prayers for comfort and healing. When our Lord calls a loved one home, He leaves a gift of memories in exchange. My your memories comfort you at this difficult time. Hugs Debbie and Duane
K P says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in the promises of our Heavenly Father Jehovah found in His Word The Bible at Acts 24:15- There will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous; and Psalm 37:29- The righteous will possess the earth and they will reside forever on it.
Kendra DeCock Whitmus says
I always loved Donette. Her sarcasm was something to be admired. She always had a smile on her face and a great attitude about life. She is a person I wished I got to know better but always enjoyed the time we did hang out. She will be missed. Prayers to her family.
Melode Clifton Warner says
Just heard about Donette.
So sorry for your loss. Know I am praying for you.