Donna Jean Olson Cole

Donna Jean Olson Cole, 59, of Ankeny, died at her home on Thursday, May 3, 2012 following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 10:30 AM at Stevens Memorial Chapel in Ames with burial at the Ames Municipal Cemetery. Public visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the funeral home.

Donna was born on May 11, 1952 in Sheldon, Iowa; the daughter of Ernest and Marjorie Belling Olson. She graduated from Boyden-Hull High School in 1970 and furthered her education at the University of Iowa where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1974. On September 9, 1978, Donna married Steve Cole at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheldon.

For Donna, family was very important and she valued spending time with them. She always put the needs of others ahead of herself right up to the day of her death. She enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, cooking, baking and annual trips to Lake Superior. Donna took great pride in her sons and was instrumental in shaping their values. She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny. Donna had worked for 37 years as a chemist for the University of Iowa Hygienic Lab in Ankeny where she was thought of as a respected colleague and mentor.

Donna is survived by her husband, Steve Cole of Ankeny; sons, Scott Cole of Ellicott, MD and David Cole of Iowa City; a brother, Ken (Jackie) Olson of Spirit Lake and her beloved dog, Sadie. Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

As a show of sympathy, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.