Donna L. VanUytven Obituary (1927 - 2022)

Donna L. VanUytven, 94, of Oconee passed away Monday, May 2, 2022 in Sarah Bush Lincoln Fayette County Hospital, Vandalia, IL. She was born October 25, 1927 in Sefton, IL, daughter of the late Bonnie S. & Mabel G. (Smith) Carter. She married John VanUytven on April 7, 1951 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oconee. He preceded her in death on July 1, 2011. Donna received her teaching certificate and taught in a one room schoolhouse for one year in Fayette County and was homemaker for most of her life. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oconee and Oconee Ladies Society. Donna enjoyed gardening, quilting & feeding her hummingbirds. She loved watching wildlife, especially whitetail deer. Her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her children: Rita Scales, Oconee, IL; Paul VanUytven, Ramsey, IL; Elaine Heimgartner, Benton, IL; Mike VanUytven, Herrick, IL; Janet (Larry) Werden, Ashmore, IL; Susan (Gary) Miller, Ramsey, IL; Steve (Christy) VanUytven, Oconee, IL; Dan VanUytven, Ramsey, IL; 32 grandchildren; 64 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and sisters: Carolyn (Bob) Reynolds, Springfield, IL & Iris (Lindell) Martie, Ramsey, IL. In addition to her parents & husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Ruth Holliday; grandchildren: Dorothy Ellen VanUytven, Gale Ronald VanUytven & Chase Allen VanUytven and siblings: Joseph Carter, John Carter & Shirley Gremba. A funeral mass for Donna will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oconee at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Seth A. Brown officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Oconee. Visitation will be held Monday, May 9, 2022 from 4-7 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home, Pana with rosary following at 7:00 p.m. Memorials in Donna's honor may be made to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Foundation, 3800 Park Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.