Ms. Donna Lee Venters' Obituary
Donna Lee Venters, 52, died peacefully in Ruston, Louisiana on April 8 after a 6 year battle with colon cancer. A resident of Phoenix, Arizona, Donna relocated to Ruston, to be cared for by family as her life ended.
Donna is survived by her parents, Dennis and Diana Venters, of Choudrant, Louisiana; maternal grandmother, Evelyn Garofalo of Shorewood, Illinois; brother Steven Venters(Veronica) of Farmerville, Louisiana; sister Laura McIntosh (Brian) of Decatur, Georgia; partner Thomas Dinsenbacher of Phoenix, Arizona; nieces and nephews Hunter Venters(Marie) of Jackson, Mississippi; Wesley, Dixie, Millie and Zoey Venters of Farmerville, Louisiana; Bryce and Lily McIntosh of Decatur, Georgia.
Donna’s early years were spent in various cities as her family moved with her father’s jobs. She enjoyed school, dancing lessons, was a lovely pianist and floutist in marching band and ran track. Donna was a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Vanderbilt University Nursing School. She worked as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in VA hospitals in Nashville, Atlanta and Phoenix as well as Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, Army base. At the end of her life she was an Instructor of Nursing at Northern Arizona University. Her career was spent helping others.
Donna loved hiking in the hills of Tennessee and the desert of Arizona. She loved her rescue animals Callie, Obie, and Jasmine. She was a fan of PBS, an avid reader and beautiful writer. She especially enjoyed trips to Chicago to visit family for celebrations and reunions. Donna enjoyed reconnecting with family and friends on Facebook in recent years.
Donna will be laid to rest in a natural burial in a flowered meadow at Larkspur Conservation at Taylor Hollow in Westmoreland, Tennessee with family and friends celebrating her life. Her spirit will continue to live in our hearts and minds.
Her family would like to thank the doctors and caregivers at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas; Banner Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona; Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital in Ruston, Louisiana and those who made it possible for her to spend her last days with family.
Donna supported Thistle Farms Women’s Recovery Center in Nashville where she volunteered, the ASPCA and other animal charities. Memorial donations in her name will continue that support.
Spring Hill Funeral Home has been entrusted with Donna's final care. 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37216. (615) 865-1101. "Where Nashville Comes to Remember."
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