Donna Rae Demeurisse passed away unexpectedly in her home in Denton, Texas on October 21, 2016. Donna was born in Albia, Iowa on December 6, 1932 to Vivian and Thomas Williams. She was an extraordinarily strong person. In the early 1940s, as an adolescent, she survived cancer, narrowly escaping amputation of her arm. Donna went on to play clarinet and be a cheerleader and homecoming queen at United Township High School in East Moline, IL. Donna remained in the East Moline area until 1995, when she moved to Denton to be near her sons and their families. Donna was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and a life-long Methodist. She was a wonderful organizer and always a disciplined employee with outstanding integrity. In Illinois, Donna worked at The Rock Island Railroad, The Personal Touch, and Samuel's Jewelers. After moving to Texas, she worked at Central Services for the Denton Independent School District, retiring in 2001. Donna cherished time with family. She also enjoyed participating in sports and was an accomplished water skier, tennis player and golfer. In later years, she became an energetic sports fan, cheering for her granddaughter's soccer teams, the Mavericks, the Rangers, and the Cowboys. After retirement, Donna coordinated the Party Bridge Program at the Denton Senior Center for 10 years and served as President and on the board of Newcomers. She was an avid bridge player and treasured the many friendships she made at the bridge table. Donna will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Bernice Kingren, and her sister-in-law, Phyllis Williams. Those left to cherish Donna's memory are son, Marc Culp, and his wife, Delva; son Brad Demeurisse and his partner, Aldrin Bula; granddaughter, Krista Garrett and her husband Jimmy; brother, Tom Williams; brother Mick Williams and his wife, Kathy; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A celebration of Donna's life was held in Denton, TX. Donna wished to be buried next to family in East Moline. The funeral will be on November 5, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Van Hoe Funeral Home in East Moline, and internment will follow at Greenview Memorial Gardens, also in East Moline. Visitation is 4-7 PM Friday, November 4, 2016 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Denton Senior Center Advisory Council, 509 North Bell, Denton, TX 76209 Attention: Jeff Gilbert; or Good Samaritan-Denton Village, 2500 Hinkle, Denton, Tx 76201.

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Saturday, November 5, 2016 10:00 AM

Van Hoe Funeral Home and Crematory 1500 Sixth Street East Moline, Illinois 61244