Donna R. Stevenson, 85, of Bloomfield, went to be with the Lord on September 29, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, surrounded by her family. Donna was born August 16, 1941, to Harry and Reva Darnell Fickel. She grew up in rural Davis County and graduated from Troy in 1959.
Donna was united in marriage to Larry R. Stevenson on March 7, 1964. They began their married life on a farm south of Bloomfield, and later moved to Drakesville where they started a dairy farm, and later owned and operated “The Cheese Hut.” She often ran the 706 International tractor ahead of the corn planter to get ready to plant. One Saturday a month, they spent the evening at Hayseeders, square dancing the night away above the old fire station. In 1989, they moved to Bloomfield, where they currently reside. Together, they raised two children, Brian and Shari. Donna was a devoted wife and mother, staying home with her children during their school years. Later, she worked at the Hi-Tec Credit Union in Ottumwa before becoming the secretary at Bloomfield United Methodist Church, where she worked until her retirement in 2019.
Donna was an active member of the Bloomfield Christian Church and enjoyed being part of the BCC Lunch Bunch. She also loved canning vegetables from their garden every year. It wasn’t unusual to find Larry and Donna enjoying Wednesday night suppers at Ray’s or at CJ’s for breakfast on Fridays, and lunch on Sunday after church.
Donna never had a cross word for anyone, and that kindness is just one of the qualities that made her so special to those who knew her. She also had a gift for making people feel welcome. She could always whip up a meal when someone stopped by, and she effortlessly hosted family and friends for supper, making gatherings around her table feel irreplaceable. You could always count on Donna to have dessert.
She truly treasured her family and was deeply proud of her children and grandchildren. Left to carry on her legacy are her husband of 62 years, Larry; her son, Brian (Jan) Stevenson, of Norwalk; her daughter, Shari (Dave) Yahnke, of Bloomfield; five grandchildren, Ryan (Becca) Boatman, Cayle (Tyler) Elliott, Skylar (Kyle) Birchmier, Dane Stevenson, and Pyper (Dylan) Bragg; great-granddaughter, Scottie Elliott; sisters, Dorothy Fleming and Shirley Lagle.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Reva Fickel; in-laws, John and Dorothy Stevenson; sister, Betty Spilman; brothers-in-law, Dean Spilman, Jack Fleming, and Larry Lagle.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Bloomfield Christian Church with Pastor Don Naftz officiating. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday with the family present to greet friends from 4-7 p.m. at the church. Memorials have been established to the Bloomfield Christian Church and Davis County Look to the Stars Cancer Foundation. Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield is in charge of arrangements.
