Donna Warnell

Donna Warnell, age 78 of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, May 25, 2026 in the comfort of her home under the care of Iowa River Hospice.

Per Donna’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and no formal services are planned at this time. Memorials in Donna’s name may be directed to her family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Donna Jean Cope was born November 19, 1947 in Marshalltown, Iowa. She was the daughter of Archie and Dorothy (Curson) Cope. Donna grew up in Marshalltown graduating from Marshalltown High School. She met Richard “Dick” James Warnell and it was love at first sight. On October 11, 1963, the two were united in marriage. From their union came their two children, Teresa and Scott. In addition to caring for her family, Donna helped Dick with his trucking company, RJ Warnell Trucking as the Chief Supervisor. Outside of her profession, she held many additional talents which she used to help others.

Donna was known to be crafty. She enjoyed working on ceramics which included painting pottery and porcelain figures. She excelled at crocheting and quilting making many blankets, potholders and various projects sewn with love for friends and family. Additionally, she was amazing in the kitchen crafting many cakes, pies, and mints for graduation parties and weddings. When Donna was cooking, she made sure that nobody went away hungry. Family was everything to her and there were many times spent hosting family holidays. During Halloween, she was known to always break out the hot dog machine, make popcorn balls and hot apple cider for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor and loved making funny faces. She held a soft spot in her heart for animals and would adopt them all if given the chance. In later years, she enjoyed trips to Meskwaki to gamble on occasion and trips to auctions and antique sales collecting the things she found valuable.

Those left to remember and cherish her memory are her children, Teresa (Mike) Peters of Marshalltown and Scott (Lori) Warnell of Marshalltown; seven grandchildren, Travis Peters, Cody (Shawna) Peters, Jake (Brittany) Peters, Colton (Sierra) Warnell, Clayton Warnell, Jessica Meyer and Jordan Meyer; 12 great-grandchildren, Alexa (Myles), Conner, Ashlynn, Wyatt, Abby, J.J., Cullen, Briley, Jaylen, Kennedy, Briten and Berlynn.

She was rejoined with her husband of 55 years, Richard “Dick” Warnell; her parents, Archie and Dorothy Cope; and siblings, Bob Cope, Raymond Cope and Gary Cope in infancy.

Donna enjoyed giving her son Scott a hard time had a long running family joke and always said, “Scott and Lori, where’s my bed.”