LaDonna Gemmill

LaDonna Faith Ross Gemmill, 85, peacefully passed on April 16, 2026, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, Montana, surrounded by her family.

Born January 13, 1941, to Harold and Esther Ross in Fargo, North Dakota, she was the youngest of five sisters: Delores, Verna, Eleanor, and Arlene.

Following her time at Northwestern College, LaDonna met the love of her life, James Melvin Gemmill (Mel), through mutual friends. Following a successful blind date, the two were married on April 2, 1966. They welcomed two children, Jonathan Ross (1968) and Jody Kathleen (1970) while living in Minnesota. In 1976, the family of four moved to Dillon, Montana, where Mel served as head pastor of the First Baptist Church. LaDonna was a remarkably dedicated wife and mother, spending hours committed to church service, community, and her family. She loved supporting her children, from Jon’s many wrestling matches to Jody’s band concerts, volleyball games, and track meets. She deeply loved her daughter-in-law, Deanne, and son-in-law, Jim, and welcomed them into her family with open arms, viewing them with the same love and esteem as her own children. Following the births of her grandchildren, she embraced her favorite role yet: Best Grandma Ever. Her five grandchildren, Jana, TJ, and Megan (Jon & Deanne Gemmill) and Ellie and Lydia (Jim & Jody Fryer), were all able to be by her side at the time of her death. Their favorite memories of her in life all revolve around her remarkable generosity, her lively spirit, and her memorable laugh. She loved having her grandkids and kids over, showing true hospitality through home-cooked meals, desserts baked to perfection, and a selfless concern for their comfort. She kept the best games and VHS tapes in the basement for slumber parties and her lawn was home to delicious barbecues and Easter egg hunts.

One of the joys of LaDonna’s life was meeting her grandchildren’s spouses (and future spouse) and attending their weddings. Josh (Jana), Sarah Grace (TJ), Nathan (Ellie), Nathan (Megan), and Dalton (Lydia) were loved and cherished as her own grandchildren. Two years ago, she also got to meet her great-grandson, Jackson (Josh & Jana), and she absolutely loved spending time with him. Her true joy in life was spending time with her family, but she was also known for her daily phone calls with friends and relatives; she ensured everyone in her life felt seen, supported, and above all, deeply loved.

She is survived by her husband, Mel, her children, Jon (Deanne) and Jody (Jim), her grandchildren, Jana (Josh), TJ (Sarah Grace), Ellie (Nathan), Megan (Nathan), and Lydia (Dalton), and her great-grandson Jackson. She was preceded in death by her sisters and older brother, her parents, a third child and grandchild she never got to meet on earth (what a joyous meeting that will be!), and many loved ones. Most of all, LaDonna loved the Lord with all of her heart, and that was reflected in everything she did. Her life was a testament to the joy of Christ.  We find peace in knowing that her death was only the beginning of a reunion with her savior, which we know she looked forward to. To live is Christ, and to die is gain - LaDonna is now living in the gain.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Christ's Church (323 South 32nd Street West, Billings, Montana). There will be a visitation for family and friends beginning at 10 a.m.

Proverbs 31:28-31

Her children arise and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many women do noble things,

    but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,

    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.