Donna Lee Bakes

She was born in February 11th of 1932 to George (Duke) Melton McKee and Blanche (Lydick) McKee in Brewster, Kansas. Donna married her high school sweetheart, Robert (Bob) Bakes and they had 66 wonderful years together.

Donna is predeceased by husband, Bob who passed away in November of 2017, by her brother Delbert Warren McKee (1938-1998), and her sister Delores Darlene (McKee)Preston (1926-2001). She is survived by sister Firma Eudean (McKee) Irthum and sister Phyllis Jean (Mckee) Smith. She is also survived by her two children; Peggy (Bakes) Rosenbrock (husband Stan Rosenbrock), and Owen Bakes (wife Cheryl (Case) Bakes), 5 Grandsons; Joey Bakes (Sarah), Matt Rosenbrock (Megan), Jared Bakes (Bonnie), Sam Rosenbrock (Nikki), and Jacob Bakes (Lindsey), and 10 Great Grandchildren; Lauren, Brady, Briley, Maci, Kent, Jordyn, Lexi, Myla, Gavin, and Kennedy.

Donna graduated from William Smith High School in Aurora, Colorado. She worked for Mountain Bell as a telephone operator and then went to work at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal as a lab assistant. Her greatest achievement in life however, was that of Mother and Wife. In 1960 Bob had the opportunity to purchase a farm. Knowing it was his lifelong dream to be in the country, Donna left her familiar setting and supported him as they set up rural life in Henderson, Colorado. She became a 4-H Leader and was always very active in her children’s lives.

Donna was famous for buttermilk biscuits with Saturday breakfast, waffles after hunting, baked beans at every summer BBQ & custard cream puffs with chocolate frosting for every family gathering. Many also loved her coconut cake, a tall layered cake filled with cream cheese frosting and coconut, prepared with love for special lunches with friends and family. The standard by which she ran her home and her life is something to be proud of. These life lessons are the greatest gift she could bestow on her family. Donna, known to her grandchildren as “Nan”, had deep love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nothing gave her more joy than family.

GOD knew of her worries and spoke from above.

SHE WILL NEVER SURVIVE THE DEATH OF HER LOVE.

GOD asked for her memory to spare her from grief.

The day that Dad passed it confirmed our belief.

GOD, in his wisdom, created a plan

To protect our dear Mother and Grandmother, “Nan”.

~Peggy Rosenbrock

“One of the hardest things you will ever do

Is grieve the loss of a person who is still alive.”

~Unknown

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