Donna Belle Bailey

Donna burst into life on May 5, 1930, in Sterling, CO. She was the child of Raymond G. and Dorothea E. Harnish. Several years later she was followed by her sisters Patricia in ’32 and Ruby in ’34.

It was a childhood filled with a lot of freedom, as the girls relied on each other a lot because their parents worked outside the home. They did enjoy a lot of attention from their Grandma Jennie (Gregory) and going to Haxton to dance with aunts and uncles.

When she was 15 y/o while working at the Bus Café, she met Clyde W. Venard and in June of 1947 they got married! They moved to Brush in 1948 and had 3 children; Cathy, Linda and Donald. In a sad turn of events Clyde passed away in 1957.

In 1959, Donna married Harold (Curly) Norwood. They moved to Commerce City, and she had one more child, Terry. Donna and Curly raised the four kids in Commerce City.

In 1978, Donna married Edgar F. Bailey, and they moved into a house on Tichy Street. In that house many holiday parties and backyard bar-b-que’s were hosted and enjoyed by Donna’s kids and all 9 of her grandchildren. There were sleepovers and movie nights and one of her favorite things was having her kids and grandkids over to decorate her Christmas Tree!

During her life Donna enjoyed dancing, her tv “program’s”, making noodles (and pies) and having family over. And she really enjoyed singing in the Goode Centennial United Methodist Church choir, where she spent a lot of time volunteering and attending services.

Donna lived and thrived through many ups and downs! During the pandemic we helped celebrate her 90th birthday with yard signs and a lot of outdoor picnics with her family!

In 2022, Donna left Commerce City and moved to Brighton. She enjoyed having her kids, grandkids and 16 great-grandchildren visit her at the care center. She made friends with the staff members and really enjoyed spending time outdoors. During her life, Donna made many friends and had an impact on a lot of lives! She never went anywhere without a kiss or a hug for one or more of her “favorites”!

A visitation for Donna will be held Monday, June 17, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229. A reception will occur Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229.