Donna Chesley

Donna Chesley, 91 of Callaway passed away Sunday, October 28, 2018 at Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living in Cozad. She was born February 4, 1927 in Finchville, Nebraska to Orrin Sylvanus & Lucy Hays (Huff) Shaw. She grew up in the Finchville area and received her Normal Training in High School and graduated from Arnold High School in 1943 at the age of 16. Donna taught school for three years at Milldale Rural School. Donna was united in marriage to Ole S. Chesley on October 1, 1946 in the Fidelity EUB Church near Callaway, Nebraska. Four children were blessed to this union: Roger, Steven, Carol and Lane. They lived in Gunnison, Colorado for a few years and moved back near Arnold, Nebraska on Garfield Table. The family then settled near Callaway where they would reside until just recently when they moved to Assisted Living in Cozad, Nebraska. Donna was a homemaker and raised her four children. She also drove the school bus in Callaway for many years and typed for the Callaway Courier which she thoroughly enjoyed. Donna enjoyed knitting sweaters for her children and grandchildren. She collected stamps, working on crossword puzzles, playing cards, trivia and especially watching Jeopardy. Donna had a huge respect for education and loved playing and listening to music. Family was very important to Donna as she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a seventy five year member of the United Methodist Church in Callaway. Donna held several church positions throughout the years. She was a past President of the Callaway Women’s Club and member of the Busy Bee’s Extension Club. Survivors include her husband of 72 years, Ole of Callaway, Nebraska, now residing in Cozad; children, Roger (Marion) Chesley of Callaway, Nebraska, Carol (Tim) Boyle of Elwood, Nebraska and Lane (Melanie) Chesley of Callaway, Nebraska; daughter-in-law, Mary Kay Chesley of Rifle, Colorado; nine grandchildren, Kari Chesley, Leif Chesley, Tara (Todd) Preston, Brett Chesley, Megan (Lee) Dreyer, Ryan (Madeline) Boyle, Caitlin (Matt) Smith, Meredith (Jaycob) O’Hanlon and Dylan Chesley; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, son, Steve; granddaughter, Stefanie Kay; brother, Donald Shaw; sisters, Mildred Wright, Doris Chesley and Norma Cole. Celebration of Life Services will be on Friday, November 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Callaway United Methodist Church with Pastor Shanon Williams, officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. at the Callaway United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Callaway. Memorials are suggested to the Callaway Community Foundation towards the Assisted Living Project. Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com