Donna Mae Store

Donna Mae (Ross) Store, 86, died early in the morning at Aspirus Long Term Care on November 18th, 2020. She had been a resident of Long Term since April of 2019, and had recently been diagnosed with Covid-19.

Donna was born on Friday the 13th of April, 1934 to Albert and Marie Ross in Alston, MI. Donna attended and graduated from Mass City High School in June, 1952. Donna was a sweet soul and was well liked by her classmates. She met her future husband, Robert William Store while in high school. After dating 4 years throughout high school, Donna and Robert were married on June 14th, 1952. They made their home, and resided on the Store family farm in East Branch, MI their entire married life until moving together into Aspirus Long Term Care in the spring of 2019.
Donna is survived by her husband of 68 1/2 years, Robert. They loved and were dedicated to one another in the most beautiful way. She and Robert loved and raised 9 children, 6 of whom survive her: Jimmy (Tracy) Store, Ontonagon, MI; Sherry (Bill) LaMere, Bay City, MI; Dean Store, Bay City, MI; Candy Store, Bay City, MI; Tammy (Gary) Pearcy, Loveland, CO and Nickolas (Coleen) Store; Negaunee, MI and a daughter-in-law Terrie Fillio Store, Howell, MI. She also loved and cherished her grandchildren: Christy (Neal) Smith, Mandy (fiancee Bill) Christian, John Paul (Kate) Ruterbusch, Shawn (Ann) LaMere, Shannon (Matt) Childs, Jason (Kristen) Store, Jeremy (partner Danielle) Store, Amber (Chad) Perry, Jessica (Dustin) Store-Whipkey, Brandy (Nic) Store-Bonander, Maria (John) Nerat, Lucas (Nicole) Domitrovich, Olivia (Chris) Sager, Kyle Pearcy, Katie (Nathan) Store-Flach and Brent Store. Donna had a great love for children and this extended to her great grandchildren as well: Sydnie and Tyson Smith, Alexa and Logan Ruterbusch, Olivia Harden, Peyton and Audrey LaMere, Greyson and Rowan Childs, Lilly Store, Layla and Todd Store, Karmell Young, Brayden and Stella Perry, Cheyanne, Jackson and Colton Bonander, Connar and Harlie Whipkey, Wyatt and Harper Domitrovich, Carter Sager and Lennox and Claire Flach. Donna also loved David Hermanson, Mass City and his daughters, Abbie and Melanie, as if they were her own son and granddaughters. Ann and Mike Pihlaja, Mass City, were an important part of Donna and Robert’s lives and were loved as family. 
Donna is survived by her sister Lillian (John) Savela, fondly known as Aunt Jean and Uncle Waldo, brothers Art, wife Karen, Ross; Larry (Buzz), wife Van, Ross and sister-in-law Marilyn Ross. She lost three sons: David Robert Store, Jay Steven Store and Todd Ross Store before she passed on to be with them in heaven. Two brothers and 3 sisters predeceased Donna: Clyde Ross, Norman Ross, Betty Wright, Alice Cobb and Joy Lundin in addition to her parents Albert and Marie Ross. She was also predeceased by three sisters-in-law: Winifred (Virgil) Weisinger, Ruthie (Howard) Jefferson and Nancy (Donald) Pattison. Donna is survived by many nieces and nephews whom she always lovingly welcomed to her home.
Donna was a “mom” and nurturer to many of the East Branch children who grew up with her own children. Even after her own children were grown and had moved from home she always watched over children in the East Branch/Mass City area.
Donna was the ultimate mom and homemaker; known for her skills in cooking, baking, knitting, crocheting and sewing, all while raising 9 children. When her husband Robert worked away from home, Donna maintained the family farm with her children, tending to the animals all while keeping humor in her and her children’s lives. She had the best laugh ever and shared her sense of humor easily and often. In 2002 Donna was honored as the Homemaker of the Year for Ontonagon County. However, her family knew she was Homemaker of the Year every day of every year. Donna was a fierce and master Scrabble player. She enjoyed playing with her children, grandchildren and friends, especially: Evelyn Mattson, Ruthie Broemer and Ann Pihlaja.
As her children grew, Donna sought employment at Maple Manor Nursing Home where she worked in the kitchen. She and co-workers shared years of laughter while preparing the best of food for residents. She loved her work family and the residents. After retiring from Maple Manor Donna provided in-home health care services for elderly residents in the Mass City area. She was a blessing to those she cared for, always treating them with respect and affection, often bringing them homemade treats.
Donna and Robert’s love for one another  was evident to everyone that met and knew them. Together they shared decades of love and stood strong to face sad times and struggles in their lives. Their strength together has been an inspiration to their children.

The Store family cannot express enough how grateful they are for the compassionate, loving care provided to Donna during her stay at Aspirus Longterm Care in Ontonagon. The affection and respect shown to her is a testament to the quality of every employee. There are no words that can adequately describe our family’s thanks to each of you.

The Store family appreciates the professionalism of the Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon with assisting and finalizing these arrangements.
Rest peacefully mom, take care of David, Jay and Todd and until we all meet again, know how loved you are.

A graveside service and burial will  be held for both Donna and Robert on June 13, 2021, Sunday at 3pm at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Mae Store, please visit our floral store.