In Loving Memory of Donna Marie Tschetter With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we bid farewell to Donna Marie Tschetter, a remarkable soul whose presence graced our lives with warmth, wisdom, and sometimes- tactless-but-always-boundless love. Donna's journey on this earth concluded on January 30, 2024, at 3:55 am, at the Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County, after bravely confronting a brief illness, surgery, and a stroke from which she could not recover. She was 95.

Donna Marie (Biggar) Grow Tschetter Bilbro was born on September 25, 1928, in Renton, WA, King County, to Donald James Biggar and Dorothy Ann (York) Biggar. She spent her early years in Washington, enjoying driving and working alongside her father. Due to her family's frequent relocations during the Great Depression, Donna attended various schools until they settled in Colville, WA. She completed her 9th-11th grades at Upper Columbia Academy boarding school in Spangle, WA. After falling ill during her 11th-grade year, doctors advised against returning to school. Donna married Richard Grow on November 24, 1946, in Colville, WA. They welcomed a son, Stephen Page Grow, on February 2, 1948, and a daughter, Linda Marie Grow, on July 26, 1949. The marriage ended in 1963.

On November 27, 1965, Donna married Russell Tschetter in Crescent City, CA, amidst many suitors vying for her affections. Donna often fondly recalled her brother-in-law Dick Leeper's jest, stating, “When Bert went hunting, Russ got his ‘dear.’” Russell was the father of twin sons, Ron and Don, who were born Feb. 19, 1945. Ron married Margie in September of 1945, happily adding to the blended family. However, three months after Russ and Donna’s wedding, tragedy struck as Don was killed in a devastating auto accident on the twin's; 21st birthday. Despite this immense loss, the blending of their family became a cornerstone of resilience and strength. The couple settled in Brookings, OR, where Donna’s son Stephen married Carol in 1966. Later, her daughter Linda married Tom in 1971. As Russ’s health began to decline on the coast, they embraced retirement, embarking on a journey of travel and eventually settling in the dry Wyoming climate, where Linda resided. On May 16, 1981, their lives were shattered once more, as beloved son Stephen was tragically killed in a timber-falling accident. Despite the profound grief, this blended family found solace in their shared sorrow.

In Russell Tschetter, Donna found her soulmate, with whom she shared 32 years of joy, healing, peace, and unwavering companionship. Upon retirement, they embarked on a 12-year adventure in their motorhome, traversing the United States and dedicating their time to building or remodeling schools and churches as part of their mission. For Donna and Russ, their greatest earthly joys were found in their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Donna's life was a tapestry woven with diverse experiences and missions, touching countless lives with her caregiving, compassion, and generosity. From her work as an elevator operator, bakery assistant, telephone operator, and dental assistant to her passion for making soft foods for cleft palate babies, she devoted herself to helping others. Even after Russ’s passing, Donna continued to care for loved ones until her final days. She found joy in photography, sending family letters, creating over 100 family scrapbooks, crafting family Christmas stockings since 1960, and sending individual weekly postcards to every child in her blended family branches.

Donna took pride in her husband's military service, embodying patriotism and honor throughout her life, and found immense joy in her friends and family spanning generations.

Donna, the eldest of eight siblings, embodied fierce independence, organization, and leadership. Even in her final hours, she directed her family with detailed instructions on her funeral wishes, service details, and remarks to be printed in her Celebration of Life. Her legacy of love and resilience will continue to inspire those who knew her. Through intense struggles, Donna's fortitude and tenacity propelled her forward, treating others with candor and clarity. With her, you always knew where you stood.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Dorothy Biggar, her son Stephen Page Grow, her brother Garth Biggar, and her sister Delia Leeper. Donna leaves behind siblings Duane Biggar, Diane Taylor, Dixie (Arnold) Plata, David (Denise) Biggar, and Dale (Eva) Biggar.

She is survived by her daughter Linda (Tom) Greet and son Ron (Margie) Tschetter, along with grandchildren Jeff Tschetter, Greg Tschetter, Steven Grow, Michelle Grow, Shane (Heidi) Greet, and Alisa (Brad) Palser. Additionally, Donna is survived by 9 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to honor Donna's memory by contributing to the memorial for Operation Smile's cleft palate initiative, care of the Kane Funeral Home. Donna Marie

Tschetter's light may have dimmed on this earth, but her spirit shines eternally in the hearts of those who were privileged to know and love her.

A Celebration of Life service honoring Donna will take place on May 27th at 4 pm at the Buffalo Senior Center, located at 671 West Fetterman, Buffalo, WY 82834. Following the service, a gathering will be held at the Buffalo Seventh Day Adventist Church, 201 Aspen Drive, Buffalo, WY 82834. Donna will be laid to rest in Willow Grove Cemetery.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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