Donna Nafe

Donna Russell Nafe left this world on February 28, 2007, surrounded by the profound love, great affection, and deep respect of her family and friends.

Donna's life defies easy summary. A vibrant, intelligent, compassionate woman, she touched the lives of many people in her seventy-one years. She loved and remembered her parents and grandparents fondly; loved her husband faithfully for over fifty years; adored her children and grandchildren; and loved and enjoyed the company of her many, many friends.

Donna was born to Carl and Opal Russell in Bodcaw, Arkansas, on March 30, 1935. She often shared fond memories of her family in Arkansas, her years as a student at Hope High School, and her experiences living in Dallas, Germany, Bryan, and San Angelo before settling in Waco, Texas.

She married Gerald Nafe on July 16, 1955. Two children, Todd and Derek, eventually led to two daughters-in-law, Rachel and Rhonda, and then three grandchildren, Evan, Haley, and Rebekah. Her fingerprints will be on all of us for the rest of our lives.

A career business woman who dedicated the last working years of her life to helping children in need, she still found time to be active in politics and in the daily lives of her family and friends.

Donna died after nearly a decade of weakening health. Just as she was a model for her children and grandchildren in life, she was a model for them in death. She faced great difficulties with her joy in life and sense of humor intact, and she showed us how to enter eternity with grace, love, and an unsinkable spirit.

A memorial service will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family believes that Donna would love for you to remember her as you spend your time or money on someone in need or on a worthy organization in need of support.