Donna Grace Sievers, 80, of Richland, passed away at her home on Friday, February 27, 2026, surrounded by her husband and children. A celebration of her life will be held later this summer.
Donna was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, while her father was stationed there in the Navy. After his discharge, the family returned to Richland, where they opened Caughlan Implement on the town square. It was there that Donna spent her childhood days playing in the park with her friends, forming early memories in the community that would always remain close to her heart.
She attended Richland School from kindergarten through ninth grade and later graduated from Pekin High School with the Class of 1964. Donna was raised in the Richland Methodist Church, a place that shaped her faith and values, and she would go on to raise her own children there. On October 19, 1963, she married her best friend and the love of her life in that same church, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, devotion, and friendship.
Music was one of Donna’s great passions. She played several instruments and was known for her beautiful singing voice. In her younger years, she shared her musical gifts by playing the organ and piano at church. Later in life, she continued her praise and worship as a member of the church choir, lifting her voice in song.
Donna and her husband, Garry, were deeply involved in the Richland Jaycees, the Iowa Jaycees, and the National Jaycees. Together with their children, they traveled across the country to attend conferences, creating memories and friendships that would last a lifetime. Donna was especially proud to be awarded a JCI Senator ship, #84280, an honor that reflected her dedication and service.
In 1986, Donna and Garry moved to Big Pine Key, Florida, where they owned and operated a real estate company for 36 years. Once again, Donna formed lasting friendships. In 1997, the couple became “snowbirds,” spending half the year in Richland and the winter months in Big Pine Key. By 2021, they had sold everything in the Keys and returned home to Richland permanently.
You could not say Donna without saying Garry. Together, hand in hand and side by side, they built a life filled with laughter and love. What they created together could not be measured in material wealth, but in faith, trust, love, and friendship.
Left to cherish Donna’s memory are her husband, Garry Sievers; her son, Scott (Sherry) Sievers; her daughter, Cindy (Rex) Hopkins; her grandchildren, Garry (Lexi) Sievers, Britney (Alex) North, Kaitlin (David) Gaset and Rex H. Hopkins III (Trey); and her great-grandchildren, Seth and Mara North, Emmitt, Kamryn, and Dawson Gaset, along with many extended relatives and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Virginia Caughlan.
