Donna Bays

Donna Mae Bays, 83, of Union, IA passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames, IA. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday October 3, 2017 at 11, at the Union Community Church with a public visitation held at 9:30 until the service time. For condolences or questions please feel free to visit www.Mitchellfh.com or call (641)-844-1234. Donna Mae Butler Bays was born on July 8, 1934 in Marshalltown, IA. She was the seventh of seven daughters born to Thomas Edward Butler and Mayme Mae (Embree) Butler. Donna attended school in Liscomb, IA and graduated in 1952 from Liscomb High School as class president. On September 13, 1952, she married Robert Bays, Jr. of Liscomb, IA. They lived in El Paso, TX from 1952-1954 while Bob served in the U.S. Army, moving to Union in 1954. She had various occupations at Bobs Plumbing and Heating, Vaux Industries, True Value Hardware at the Gingersnap, a medical receptionist for Dr. Larry Cole and she retired as City Clerk from 1986-2004 for the city of Union. Donna enjoyed reading books, playing games, bird watching and flower and vegetable gardening but her passion was her family. She followed Iowa State basketball and Chicago Cubs baseball. Donna was a member of the Community Church in Union, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Red Hats of which she immensely looked forward to their social activities and outings with family and friends. While raising her three sons, Donnas door was always open to other kids from Union who grew to love her like a mom. Donnas kitchen never closed and remained open for her Morning Coffee Drinkers until the time of her passing. She will always be remembered as a loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend and will be dearly missed. Donna truly enjoyed the annual Butler Family Reunion and was known for serving her delicious potato salad but her real reunion is with the Lord. Left to cherish her memory are her three sons, Jeff Bays of Union, Tom (Kathy) Bays of Union and Dan (Deb) Bays of Loveland, CO. Grandchildren Cody (Alyssa) Bays of Loveland, CO, Kasey Bays (Robert) of Fort Collins, CO, Courtney Bays of Mazon, IL, stepgrandchildren Kari (Andre) McClure and Kyle Gray, both of Colorado Springs, CO, nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was Bob, her husband of nearly 65 years, her parents, Thomas and Mayme Butler, six sisters, Zedda Reece, Nola Fiscus, Mildred (Midge) Emerson, Gene Rock, Shirley Carnall-Daisy and Ardis Ankrum in addition to some nieces and nephews.