Dona Jean Sussex

Dona Jean Sussex, 71, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on September 19, 2026. She was born June 18, 1955, in Stockbridge, Michigan, to Edwin and Earnestine (Salyer) Minix.

Dona grew up in Stockbridge, Michigan, where she raised her daughters. After marrying Tom Sussex, she and Tom moved to Jackson and later to Iowa.

Dona was a beautiful woman inside and out who loved her family deeply. She had a natural gift for creating beauty wherever she went and in everything she touched. She loved decorating both the interiors and exteriors of homes. She had a special talent for taking old furniture and giving it new life by recreating and transforming its look.

She loved cooking and preparing wonderful meals for her family and friends. Dona especially enjoyed putting together beautiful and memorable dinner parties, always adding her own special finishing touches. She also had a great love for gardening and creating beautiful outdoor spaces. She was never afraid to take on a project herself, even learning how to form and pour cement to create a new look for her patio.

Dona loved shopping for others and had a special eye for finding things that would make someone or their home look beautiful. Her creativity, kindness, and desire to make things special will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Above all, Dona lover her family. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Tom Sussex; her daughters, Laura Hamlin, Jill Connolly (Eddie), Linda Sussex, and Jenny Sussex (Bounthahn); her grandchildren, Nathan, Opal, Ruby, Indi, and River; her sister, Carolyn; sisters-in-law, Ila, Mary, Lis, Teresa, and Regina; brothers-in-law, Jack, Pat, and Andy; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dona was preceeded in death by her parents, Edwin and Earnestine Minix; her son-in-law, Jeff Hamlin; siblings Paul, David, Sharon Minix, and Liz Gerber; brothers-in-law Jim Myer and Cliff Gerber; and sisters-in-law Leota Minix, and Madonna.

Her beautiful spirit and creativity will be remembered by all who knew her. Dona leaves behind a legacy of beauty not only in the homes, gardens, furniture, meals, and special gatherings she created, but most importantly in the love she shared with her family. She will always be remembered for the special touch she brought to everything she did and everyone she loved.

-lovingly written by her family

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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