Donna Mae Rys age 81 of Walnut Grove passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at her home after an extended illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Walnut Grove. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday AT THE CHURCH with a Rosary service at 4:00 p.m. and a Prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Interment is in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The Walnut Grove Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Donna was born March 3, 1926 on the family farm in Springdale Township, Redwood County to Harry & Marie (Hansel) Starnes. Donna graduated as the Salutatorian of Walnut Grove High School in May 1944. She then attended Mankato Commercial College. Donna worked as a secretary at MN Gas in Tracy until her wedding. On February 16, 1949, Donna was united in marriage to Charles Rys at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Walnut Grove. Together the couple lived in the Walnut Grove area, and Donna stayed home to raise her family. Donna worked in the office for the Wilder Pageant for 20 years where she was in charge of ticketing and bus arrivals. Charles passed away April 8, 1978. Donna entered Country View Apartments in June 2007, where she’s resided since. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church where over the years she served on the CCW, in several Circles, teaching religion, and serving church dinners. She was also a member of the Legion Auxiliary. Donna enjoyed quilting, sewing and embroidery, reading, gardening and following sports. She liked to play cards with her grandchildren. She also liked playing Bingo, Pea knuckle, and hand held games. Donna also enjoyed word puzzles and spending time with her family and friends.

Donna is survived by her children: Marilyn Mead and husband Tom of Spearfish, SD, Janice Olson of Redwood Falls, Richard Rys of Walnut Grove & Patricia McPhee and husband Glenn of Charlotte, N.C.; six grandchildren: Jennifer, Jeffrey & John Olson, Tommy & Greg Mead and Graham McPhee; great grandson Waylon James Olson; sister Evelyn Rys of Walnut Grove and many other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death are her parents, and her husband Charles.