Mrs Willems was born Donna LaRae Silvrants in Madrid, Nebraska on April 13, 1935. Her family moved to Reedley in 1947.
She was married to Harold David Willems on Sept 18,1953. They celebrated 67 Anniversaries together before Harold died in January 2021.
Donna was a well known local artist. She owned the Green Apple Gallery in Fresno in the mid 1970's, and was active in the Visalia art scene from 1995-2011. She loved teaching art lessons, entering art shows, and won many awards. But her greatest joy in art was in knowing and sharing Jesus. She wrote, "My passion for painting is my tribute to a deep seeded love for the Lord and knowing His love for me. The precious gift of creativity comes from the Lord God who is the greatest and the original Creator. All things around me, seas, skies, mountains, agricultural bounty, are my inspiration. When I paint from nature, in a small way, I enter into His creation. We paint together. With a thankful spirit I pick up the brush and enjoy the process."
She was predeceased by her Husband, Harold Willems, and son, Eric Jon Willems.
She is deeply loved and will be missed by: son, Brad Willems, daughter Tanya and Ken Wiebe, four Grandchildren: Charity Willems, Eric D. Willems, Vanessa and Ben Samuel, Theresa and Cody Bishop, and five Great Grandchildren: Caleb, Nate, Arianna & Linnea Samuel, and Walker Bishop.
Memorial service will be held on Thursday June 20th at 1:30pm, at the Visalia United Methodist Church, 5200 W Caldwell Ave.
Interment at the Reedley Cemetery at 10:00am.
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