Donna Spencer

Donna Marie Spencer, 71, of Winterset, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at the Madison County Memorial Hospital in Winterset. She lived a life centered on her family, her faith in God, and her compassionate care and advocacy for the elderly.

Donna was born October 1, 1954 in Corning, Iowa at the Rosary Hospital to parents, LeRoy and Edith (Stanley) Hefflefinger. Donna grew up in Perry, Iowa and graduated from Perry Community High School. During high school, she was involved in Rainbow Girls and rose to Worthy Advisor and Grand Cross of Colors.

Donna married Terry Luke from Woodward in 1972, and to this marriage a son, Jeffrey Lee Luke was born. To support herself and Jeff, Donna attended DMACC and earned her diploma in practical nursing. In 1975, Donna married Kim Frease in Perry, Iowa. They later moved to Winterset, where they were blessed with two sons, Jeremey Stephen and Chad Edward Frease. Donna remained friends with Terry, Kim, and their extended families.

Donna met Gary Spencer and their love for each other impacted her life and the life of their children and family. After a year of dating, they were united in marriage on April 13, 1983. Together they created a blended family that included Donna's sons, Jeff, Jeremey, and Chad, and Gary's daughters, Shari and Tshanta. Although Donna and Gary had no children together, they devoted themselves to raising and supporting their family.

After her children were in school, Donna returned to college. She attended Grand View College and Mercy School of Nursing in Des Moines, graduating in 1988. Throughout her nursing career, Donna worked in hospitals, home health care, clinics, and long-term care facilities, serving as a Director of Nursing. In 1996, she began working for the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals as a Health Facilities Surveyor for 12 years before being promoted to Compliance Officer, a position she held for 10 years until retiring in 2018. Donna was deeply committed to ensuring that the elderly received quality care, proper living conditions, and treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid guidelines and state regulations. She also earned certification as a Certified Wound Care Nurse, further strengthening the work of the Compliance Department.

Donna's greatest joys were her grandchildren. Donna had several "Grandma Camps", memorable experiences when Donna and Gary lived in Macksburg. While in Macksburg, Donna was also on the city council and a City Clerk for a year. Donna and Gary are members of the Macksburg Methodist Church.

Donna had an intense love for her two English Golden Retrievers. Maggie Mae came first and received training for Canine Good Citizen and Therapy. Maggie toured nursing homes and hospitals with Donna until Maggie's death in 2025. Oakley was older than Maggie and died in 2025 as well.

Left to cherish Donna's memory are her husband, Gary Spencer; sons, Jeff Luke (Joy), Jeremey Frease (Misty), and Chad Frease (Dawn); daughters, Shari Bush (Dan) and Tshanta Rodell (Caleb); grandchildren, Alex Allamong (Alex), Rachel Luke, Joel Akers, Karlee Akers, Riley Akers, Zackary Frease (Camryn, special friend), Tyson Frease, Kaden Frease, Taelynn Agee, Jaymeson Frease, Danelle Vizcarra (Rocky), Amber Bush, Dylan Bush, Sierra Cosner (Dallas), Erika Johnson, and Spencer Johnson (Raven); brother, Ken Hefflefinger (Vicki); brothers-in-law, Bill Spencer and Tom Losee; sisters-in-law, Marlene Saxton, Linda Spencer, Delores Losee (Tom), and Kathy Trump; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Gabriel Anderlik; brothers-in-law, Harold Spencer, Joe Saxton, George Spencer, Jerry Spencer, and Lewis Givan; and sisters-in-law, Joyce Givan, Joann Spencer, and Juanita Spencer.

The family wishes to thank EveryStep Hospice for their outstanding care and support, as well as their local friends for their continued prayers and calls. They also extend heartfelt gratitude to Donna's dear friends and co-workers, Rose Dittmer, Susan Odell, and Donna Donald, for their continued love and support, prayers, calls, and cards throughout Donna's cancer journey. A special thank you is extended to Gary for 43 years of love, devotion, and emotional support during Donna's illness. The family also sincerely thanks Dr. Shankar Raman for the kindness he showed to Donna.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 11, at the Jackson Building in Winterset. Burial will follow at the Winterset Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to AHeinz57 Pet Rescue in De Soto or to EveryStep Hospice of Winterset.