Donna Lee Buelow (80) passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 31, 2026. She was one of the strongest, sassiest, most stubborn people the world has ever seen, and we loved her for it.

Donna’s universe revolved around her family. She was made to be a grandma, and was so proud to hold that title. She lit up every time her grandbabies visited, and she could make them laugh harder than anyone else. She was known to get down on the floor to play with them, even when she knew she’d need help getting back up. She also loved jigsaw puzzles, going out for Bingo, and building her Mickey Mouse collection. Her family will miss sitting around the table for a few rounds of dice, or watching her cheat during a game of spoons when she thought no one was watching. They’ll especially miss her snicker salad, ham gravy, and banana cream pie. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, 5 siblings, children Dawn Buelow, Dean Buelow, and Dora Stilen, and grandchildren Danielle and Finnegan. She showed immense strength and resilience during her own periods of grief, and her family finds comfort in knowing she was finally reunited with so many loved ones. Donna is survived by her daughter Darcie (Brian) Starks, son-in-law Jody (Becky) Stilen, grandchildren Darlyn Summers (Jami Delagrange), Drew (Cortney) Stilen, Derek Starks, Devon (Bailey) Starks, Jacob (Stephanie) Stilen, Jade (Turner) Doornink, Hunter Olson and her 14 great grandchildren: Jack, Theo, Charlie, Eliza, Peyton, Gracelynn, Dennis, Wesley, Sawyer, Brooks, JP, Cal, Geneva, and one more baby girl on the way. She will also be missed by her sister Darlene (Ted) Brush, her lifelong companion Leo Gagnow, sister in law Darla Buelow, and special family member Gloria Krake, among numerous other relatives and friends. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Donna’s family would like to thank the staff at Theda Care Cancer Center and Jeffrey Fillmore, NP for the love and compassion they’ve shown her and her family over the last several years.