Donna J Adams

Donna Jean (Ellsberry) Adams was born to Albert and Esther Ellsberry in Salt Lake City, Utah on December 10th, 1923. She passed away in the Highland Cove Assisted Living Center in Salt Lake, Utah on April 15th, 2022. She was 98 years old.

She grew up in the city and graduated from South High School in 1943. Donna enjoyed her growing up years with siblings and friends, but those closest to her was her stepsister Patty and many cousins, especially Elaine and Annette. They all attended Zion Lutheran Church. They enjoyed many activities together including church camps, confirmation, summertime picnics at Liberty Park, and family get-togethers. After high school, Donna attended Holy Cross Hospital Nursing School for three years and graduated as a Registered Nurse in September,1946. Shortly after graduating, she married Bill Adams, and they moved to Parowan, Utah. Bill helped his father with the family sheep ranching operation and Donna worked as a nurse for a local family doctor.

In 1949, Donna had her first child, Ronald, followed by Brian in 1952. They moved back to Salt Lake City and bought a home in Rose Park. Both boys were born with mental and physical developmental disabilities. Donna and her husband Bill were determined to provide them with opportunities to socialize and integrate within their community. They were determined to find access to the best education available through school, home, church, and community opportunities. The boys learned to read and write. They enjoyed sports and physical activities including skiing, bowling, and horseback riding. They went on family trips to many locations in the Southwest where they learned about different cultures, national parks, rock hunting, art, and music. Donna continued to work as a nurse in labor and delivery and pediatrics.

When the boys were in their teens there were no services available for them in school or day care. Bill and Donna continued to find ways to engage their sons in learning and social activities. They were active in the Salt Lake County Association for Retarded Citizens. Out of that group, Bill and Donna partnered with other committed parents who were willing to combine their talents and start a school for their children with developmental disabilities. Donna and Bill poured every ounce of their time and energy into making their dream come true. They found a vacant school building, Columbus Elementary School, and got permission from the city to try-out their idea. In 1968, the doors opened to Columbus Community Center in Salt Lake City with eight students and three teachers. The mission started with the sole intention of creating a world more inclusive for their children with developmental disabilities.

Their plan was a success and Columbus Community Center continued to flourish and grow and to provide learning and job training for their students. By 1978, 200 students were enrolled. In 2018, Columbus Community Center celebrated their 50th anniversary. The Center has continued to expand and grow. It has been the model for other centers and communities throughout the nation. Through their love and dedication to their children they helped pave the way for positive changes in public education that exist today.

In the 2000s, Columbus aligned its social mission with business enterprises. Students are trained, employed, socialized, and have opportunities to live and successfully integrate in their community. Donna and her husband Bill were pioneers in the advocacy for persons with developmental disabilities. They were instrumental in opening doors and providing opportunities that transformed the lives of so many individuals with developmental disabilities.

Bill died in 1988. They were married 42 years. Donna was then the sole caregiver for her two sons. She remodeled her home to make it easier for the boys to cook, wash their own clothes, and take showers. She continued to be an avid supporter of the Columbus Community Center, and her sons were deeply connected to the programs. She took the boys on trips each summer, including cruises, bus tours, and visits to relatives in Southern California and Texas. Ronald and Brian were able to work and earn wages, live in a group home environment, and manage their lives as a part of the local community.

Donna moved to Highland Cove Retirement Community, Salt Lake City, in July 2013, and lived there until her passing on April 15th, 2022. She enjoyed her numerous friends there and weekend visits from her sons. She loved scenic rides, shopping trips and playing Bingo and Apples To Apples.

Throughout her lifetime, Donna was patient, kind, caring, and determined to make the best of every situation. Friends have described her as “sweet, nice, funny, helpful, efficient, organized, and knowledgeable.” She was a very good mom, a role model— able to love, care for, and teach her boys how get along with others.

Donna leaves a legacy of caring for others. Her faith was the foundation and strength of her life. God had a purpose and calling for her life, and despite the questions and sorrows she experienced on her path, she blessed so many on her journey.

Donna will be remembered for her great contributions to Columbus. It not only benefited her children but paved the way for so many children with disabilities and their families. She will be remembered as a caring nurse, touching the lives of countless patients. She will be remembered by her friends and family as a wonderful wife, caring mother, and a beautiful friend. She will be remembered by those who met and knew her for her sweet disposition, faith in God, her humor, her kindness, and great strength.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Bill Adams, her sons Ronald Adams and Brian Adams.

Read the history of the Columbus Community Center here:

https://www.columbusserves.org/about-us/history/