Donna Jean Howry

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved mother, Donna Jean Howry, on June 13th, 2025, in Modesto, Ca. Her vibrant spirit, boundless love, and unwavering kindness left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Donna was born on August 28, 1957, in Indio, California, to Loice Skinner and Doris (Heavener) Jahn. From a young age, she radiated warmth, joy, and a fierce devotion to the people she loved.

She was married for 51 beautiful years to the love of her life, Marlen Howry – A Love Story that began when she first laid eyes on him at just 9 years old. Their marriage was built on a deep love, mutual respect, and a lifetime of laughter and shared memories. Together they started M.H. Concrete, a business lasting over 40 years.

Donna had a heart of gold. She was caring, kind, and selfless – always putting others before herself. If someone was in need, Donna would give without hesitation, even if it meant giving her last dime. She helped not because she had to, but because it was simply who she was.

Her greatest accomplishment was her family – not just raising them, but keeping them close, united, and always surrounded by love and food. She was the constant connection between the generations, she was the true testament of family traditions. She was the proud Matriarch of the family, the glue that held everyone together. Holidays were sacred to her – not for the gifts, but for the decorating she did and because to her holidays meant being with family. No one was left alone. She made sure of that. Her home was open, welcoming, and filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She built a family where everyone belonged, and that legacy is her most beautiful gift.

In her younger years, Donna had a passion for music and dancing – her and Marlen always out on the dance floor. She became a mom at a young age, so from the beginning , her greatest purpose in life was to raise her children, Shane and Shannon. She poured her heart into motherhood with complete devotion. Every decision she made, every sacrifice, was rooted in love for her family. Being a mom was not just a part of her life – it was the center of it all. Her children were her reason, her pride, and her greatest joy. You could always find her at her kids’ sporting events being their loudest cheerleader and team mom, moving on this tradition to her grandchildren. That joyful spirit never faded and could be felt in every room she entered.

She loved the simple pleasures in life: she could always be found cheering on her Dallas Cowboys and her San Francisco Giants, she loved her early morning shopping sprees, camping in her trailer with her small family, casting a line while fishing, cruising in their beloved ’55 Chevy, and enjoying some good food.

Donna had a special touch with children and found joy in babysitting her nieces, nephews, and little cousins. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she nurtured each of those relationships with extraordinary love and dedication. She was often on the phone with her grandchildren, sharing countless conversations throughout every day filled with laughter, good listening advice, and stories. Donna and her grandchildren would share shopping trips together, having lunch together or just sitting and watching the time go by. These times spent with them created lasting memories filled with fun, connection, and love.

One of the highlights of her week was picking up her youngest grandson from school every Wednesday – a special time they both treasured. These moments of togetherness, whether sharing a snack, chatting about his day, or just enjoying each other’s company, brought Donna immeasurable happiness.

Donna also shared an incredibly close bond with her daughter Shannon. Whether they were grocery shopping, camping, or simply sitting and talking about life, their connection was filled with total honesty, unconditional love, and lots of laughter. They could always be found planning out the next trip or holiday. Telling stories of the past, the present, and what their future would hold. Spending as much time together as possible doing girl stuff and lots of convincing to try new things.

One of her proudest blessings was becoming a great-grandmother. She absolutely adored her great-grandson Grayson. Donna beamed with pride every time she introduced him, proudly announcing that his arrival closed a five-generation circle in the family. It was a milestone she celebrated with joy and gratitude.

And through it all, her faithful companion Dallas, the rescue dog she adored, was always by her side. He brought her so much peace, joy, and a comforting presence she treasured. They even had their own language.

She was proceeded in death by her father Loice Skinner and brother Donnie Skinner.

Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Marlen, her son Shane (Amanda) Howry, her loving daughter Shannon (Robert Butler), her beloved grandchildren Douglas & Jaycie McCleary, Madysen & Dalton Howry and Axeton Butler, her best friend and great grandson Grayson Hoskins, her mother Doris Jahn, siblings Darrell (Martha) Skinner, cherished sister Nancy Moyer, a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws and dear friends who will carry her spirit with them always. Most importantly her dog Dallas who will be so lost without her.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on July 2, 2025 at Lakewood Memorial Home with Visitation from 2-4pm and Services at 4:00 with a dinner reception following.

Mom, you were the heart of our family, the one we all turned to, and the soul in every gathering. Your love, strength, and your selfless spirit will never be forgotten. We will carry your light with us forever.