Born December 20, 1926 in Chippewa Township, Mecosta County to Vern Blanchard and Leona Clark Blanchard, Donna graduated from Evart High School in 1946. She then moved to Lansing and began working at Michigan National Bank. She met and married Howard Leon Wilson in 1948, raising three children, Doug (Jan), Mary Kenney (Michael), and Madelyn Wilson (Robert Cacchione). In 1964 Donna returned to the work world, retiring from Bank One in East Lansing after twenty-five years. Divorced in 1972, Donna married Mack McCoy Bates in 1977, living happily until his death in 2013.
Donna lived a life of service to others. She spent several years with Sparrow Hospital’s Service Auxiliary, working in the gift shop. Encouraged by Mack, Donna played an active role in the Military Order of Purple Heart and served as President of the DAV Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed participating in the Haslett Women’s Club after joining in 2004. Full of life and cheerfulness, Donna loved square dancing, playing games, and going fishing. Coming from a close-knit family, she mourned the loss of her sisters, Delpha Boshaw of Florida, Erna Cramer of Haslett, MI, and her brother Robert Blanchard of Dewitt. But most important, with her great sense of humor and positive outlook, she delighted in spending time with her family and meeting new people.
A funeral service is planned for April 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Haslett Community Church, 1427 Haslett Rd., Haslett, MI 48840. Following the service, there will be a light luncheon at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Military Order of the Purple Heart or Disabled American Veterans.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for Donna's family.
