Donna Kemp

Our mother passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona on March 8, 2023. Donna Jean was born on January 15th, 1928 in Miles City, Montana. She was the sixth child of Frank Kagels and Helen Dunlap-Kagels. Shortly after her birth and with the unexpected death of her biological mother, Donna was adopted by a wonderful and most loving aunt and uncle, Don and Winifred Dunlap-Campbell. They raised Donna Jean in Wisconsin where she graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1946.

Upon her graduation she went to work for the Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company. Later after the death of her adoptive parents Donna Jean decided to return to Miles City, Montana to be closer to her extended family. During her many years as a telephone operator she worked in both the Miles City and Billings Montana offices. While living in Miles City she met and married our father, Charles Kemp. They were married on April 13th, 1954. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Billings where over the next few years they welcomed three daughters to their life. Donna loved being a mother to Nancy, Lisa, and Michelle, and she took great pride in caring for her family and home. She was enormously proud of each of her children's accomplishments as they matured and grew to adulthood.

As the years went on, Donna also found deep joy and blessings in being a grandparent and great-grandparent. Mom also had compassion and great love for animals which led to many rescues and fulfilling pet companionship. Twelve years after the passing of her husband, Charles, she relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona where Mom enjoyed twenty years of retirement.

She was preceded in death by our father, Charles; step son, James Kemp; adoptive parents, Don and Winifred Campbell and their daughter, Marjorie; five biological siblings, Wilfred Kagels, Dorothy Dykstra, Marguerite Walker, Mary Lou Timberman, and Hazel Cox. Mom is survived by her immediate family, Nancy Rohde (husband, Alan), Lisa Eisenberg (husband, Harvey), Michelle Thomason (husband, Dennis); Eight grandchildren: Courtney (husband, Chris), Carrie (husband, Rowdy), Shannon (husband, Carson), Alexandra (husband, Michael), Jared, Alicia, Abigail, Anna (husband, Joel); and thirteen great-grandchildren: Trey, Jade, Nikki, Hayden James, Teagan, Micah, Kaitalee, Taylor, Mason, Hayden Michael , Samantha, Sophia, and Arabella. Mom often expressed sincere and continuous gratitude for several true and enduring friendships. Additionally, she held a special place in her heart for each of her nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her life was very enriched by all these dear relationships. Her life journey was full and filled with much love. Though we have said good-bye for now, Mom will be in our hearts forever.