Obituary of Donna L. Gartee

Gartee, Donna L. Lupton, MI Donna L. Gartee, 85, of Lupton, passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, surrounded by family. Donna was born on December 5, 1931, in Elkton, Michigan. Her family moved to Lupton around 1947, and just a couple years later, at the ripe old age of 17, left school to marry Marion "Joe" Gartee. She returned later to earn her diploma, graduating with her son in 1973. Donna was a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Stars, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and served as chairperson of multiple fundraising events for the Lupton Fire Department and the Lupton community at large. She was affectionately known as "Auntie" to her nieces and nephews, as well as most of their friends. Donna was a supportive and loving presence in the lives of her family. Spending time at football or Little League games, texting or emailing with various grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and having telephone conversations with others on long drives home from work were commonplace. Anyone who wandered into her home at mealtime was promptly invited to join in. There was always "room for one more" at her table. Donna was enthusiastic, smart, and kept her sense of humor at the ready. She was always there to provide comfort to the brokenhearted, advice to those who asked for it, and a helping hand whenever needed. She supported her community, church, family, and friends with all her might. She will forever be in our hearts. She leaves behind her daughter, Mary Pearsall and son, John (Jan) Gartee; grandchildren, Joseph D. King, Michelle (Lenny) Giannosa, Adam (Connie) Gartee, Aaron (Amber) Gartee; great-grandchildren, Joseph King, Dominic, Michael, Raymond, and Isabella Giannosa, Zoe, Jennifer, Alexis, Landon, and Makayla Gartee, sister Linda (Gerald) Coffell, brother Laurence "Butch" (Bonnie) Temple, and many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her son Jimmy; parents, Lena and Laurence Temple; husband Joe; and sisters, Wanda Paulson and Barb Alderton. At Donna's request, instead of a funeral, a memorial service will be held this summer with all family and friends welcome. Date and time to be announced. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com