Donna Jean Britain

Donna Jean Britain (98) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at her home at Manistee Ranch, Glendale, Arizona. She is now at home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She had been under the care of her two daughters, Linda Shinn and Carol Schultz, for the past year. They were assisted by Complete Hospice Care staff the last few months. Her family had all been with her in her last days.

Donna was born on the family farm to Fred and Margaret (Hammer) Strohbehn on July 7th, 1924. She attended public schools in Moville, Iowa. In elementary school, Donna represented Woodbury County in the Iowa state spelling contest. She graduated high school in 1941 as the school valedictorian.

Shortly after graduation, Donna met the love of her life, Bert Britain. They were married on July 11th, 1942. After the war, they resided in Morningside, Iowa where she gave birth to three sons, Rodney, Brian, Neil and one daughter, Carol. Upon moving to Washington, Iowa in 1960, they had another daughter, Linda.

Although she was kept busy raising her five children, she always had time to be involved in the work of her Lord and Savior at numerous Christian churches in Iowa and Arizona. After moving to Arizona in 1968, Donna was the church secretary at First Christian Church in Tempe, Arizona. In 1973, she began working at the family business, Britain’s Lighting of Glendale, Arizona until she retired. She also then had grandchildren to enjoy.

Donna loved the traveling and the camping that she and her husband were able to do. Favorite destinations were the mountains of Idaho and Montana and the coast in Oregon. She also enjoyed family gatherings and holidays.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bert; her brother, Robert Strohbehn of Huntington Beach, CA; her sister, Shirley Austin of Moville, IA; and her son, Neil of Glendale, AZ. She is survived by her sons, Rodney of Christopher Creek, AZ; Brian of Clio, Iowa and her two daughters, Carol (Charlie) Schultz of Phoenix, AZ and Linda Shinn of Glendale, AZ; along with grandchildren, Amy (Kevin) Bingham, Kevin (Michelle) Britain, Elizabeth Clouse, and Mark Shinn and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends.

Donna was beloved by all who knew her. Her thoughtfulness, generosity, and acts of service touched countless lives throughout her lifetime. She was a hard worker, a faithful student of the Bible and a strong prayer warrior. She loved her Lord, Savior and friend, Jesus, and loved her family dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Desert Christian Fellowship on January 17th, 2023. Public visitation will be held at 10:00 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial will be at National Memorial Cemetery of AZ at 1:30 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageGoldenDoor.com for the Britain family.