Donna Andersen

St. George, UT - Donna Lou Jensen Andersen, 82, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2010 in St. George, Utah. Born in Basalt, Idaho on January 11, 1928 to Clinton and Annie Jensen, Donna grew up in the Big Sky Country of Montana on a farm in Ft. Shaw. She attended Utah State University where she met and married the "love of her life," Ladell, in the Logan LDS Temple on January 15, 1951. They had five sons: Clint (Janet), Gilbert, AZ; Larry, Richie (Sherry), Bob (Paige), all of St. George, and Jim (Jeanmarie) of Mapleton, UT. She is survived by her husband; sons; 27 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and three sisters: Wanda Nielsen, Fontella Hodges and Joanne (George) Romney. Nicknamed 'Sparkle Diamond' by her father, she enjoyed driving the tractor and working in the fields with him. Her mother taught her the value of hard work in the home, but Donna also loved to sneak off to read a good book whenever possible. Donna and Ladell reared their family for several years in the beautiful Logan neighborhood of Thrushwood. She was a homemaker and artist, which was, as her son Richie said, "Good enough for her!" She loved planning, designing, and decorating her homes with admirable simplicity and beauty. She served faithfully in the LDS church, continuing the legacy of her own parents. Ladell's coaching career took them to far-away places, such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, and her favorite, Jerusalem. Of all the places she traveled, however, none could surpass the serenity and beauty of Montana, where she returned with her family nearly every summer for fifty years. The love of her cherished home was best expressed through her art. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Dean and Berg Jensen; and sister, June Sanford. The family expresses sincere gratitude for the tender care offered by the Coral Canyon 1st Ward Relief Society, Hospice, Kolob Rehabilitation and Care, and particularly Malia and Heather, daily nurse and aid. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Coral Canyon LDS 1st Ward Chapel, 1950 North Coral Canyon Blvd., Washington, Utah. Visitations will be held Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel, prior to services. Interment will be at the Washington City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.