Donna was born in Boise, Idaho, the second of three children of Warren Edmond Nelson and Sarah Rosella Fuller. She passed away at home in Evanston, at the age of 76, with her beloved husband by her side.
Donna spent her childhood on farms in Marsing and Homedale, Idaho. She attended Knowlton Heights, Marsing, and Vallivue schools until she was 16. She went on to graduate from Homedale High School in 1966.
During her childhood, she learned to work hard and grew her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was blessed with the priceless gift of faith and relied on prayer in her life to lead and guide her. She truly valued her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Donna lived in Idaho, Delaware, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming as an adult, raising four children. She married Charles Michael (Mick) Garbett on Dec. 24, 1986, and was sealed in the Jordan River Temple on Dec. 16, 1989.
Donna worked many jobs in her life and was deeply involved in her community. She learned desktop publishing and started a business with a friend in Evanston called 1st Impressions. Her final profession before retiring was for a consumer credit counseling agency, where she felt challenged and was able to serve others.
Donna enriched the lives of those around her with unwavering love and dedication. She loved to camp, sew, craft, and spend time with her loved ones. She left behind a legacy of love and kindness through her family.
She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Mick Garbett of Evanston; children, Wendy (Scott) Salutregui of Homedale, Idaho; Sam (Ann Marie) Johnstone of Palmer, Alaska; Angi (John) Hofmann of San Tan Valley, Arizona; and Michael (Debbie) Garbett of Bear River; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Keri Kinnane; and sisters, Valene Novak and Sheri Jensen.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, at the Evanston LDS chapel at 632 Twin Ridge Ave. Prior to the service, a visitation will take place at the same location, where friends and family can pay their respects, from 10:30-11 a.m. A luncheon will follow the services in the cultural hall.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of Donna’s friends and family who helped her through her time of need. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Donna’s favorite organization: Camp Sego Lily of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Please make checks to Camp Sego Lily of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and mail them to Attn: Sandra Barker, 103 Navajo Circle, Evanston, WY, 82930.
