Donna Mae Woods

Donna was born on September 18, 1941, to Nelson Earl “Doc” Dockter and Marie Vandecar Kruse Dockter. She was a strong, loving, and fiercely independent woman whose life was defined by determination, resilience, creativity, laughter, and unconditional love for her family.

Donna proudly raised six children on her own while working full-time and putting herself through college — a remarkable accomplishment that her family admired deeply. She believed in hard work, discipline, faith, and making the very best out of every situation life presented. She graduated from Dansville High School and later attended Lansing Community College, earning her degree.

Donna dedicated more than 25 years to Sparrow Hospital, where she worked in Accounts Payable until her retirement. Following retirement, she and her daughter Yvonne opened Donna’s Country Creations and D & Y Cleaning. Donna also spent over five years working as a caregiver, continuing her lifelong passion for helping and caring for others. In the early 1970s, she taught Sunday school, carrying her faith, compassion, and kindness with her throughout her life.

Donna found joy in life’s simple treasures. She loved antique shopping, arts and crafts, gardening, and sunny days spent relaxing on the pontoon at the lake. She loved dancing right up until the very end and had a true gift for growing beautiful flowers with her famous green thumb. Some of her happiest moments were spent with her family, especially when she was playing video games with the Grandkids — and usually winning.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson Earl “Doc” Dockter and Marie Vandecar Kruse Dockter; her beloved daughter, Yvonne Star Jansen; her twin sister, Deonna Marie Andriekus; and 2 brothers, Elson & Dale Dockter.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Ronald Johnson; Lynda (Dale) Holben; Michael (Tracy) Johnson; Donal (Shawn) Powe; and Heather Woods. She is also survived by her beloved brother, William (Nancy) Dockter.

Donna leaves behind 15 cherished grandchildren: Shannon, Jessica, Michael, Jenna, Chartrece, Stephanie, Jill, Travis, Ty, Brendan, Tiara, Alexandria, Taylor, Troy, and Sheyanne; along with 25 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear childhood friends. In addition to her family, Donna leaves behind her beloved dog, Sparty, who brought her much comfort and companionship.

Donna’s family will forever remember her as someone who never gave up, always showed up for the people she loved, and made everyone feel welcome. Her strength, warmth, humor, and caring heart touched countless lives and will be missed beyond words.

A funeral service celebrating Donna’s life will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, at Walk in Truth Ministries Church, 505 Seymour Ave, Lansing, MI 48933. Family hour will begin at 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service following at 12:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join in sharing memories and celebrating a life so beautifully lived.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Divine Living Center of Lansing, Sparrow Hospice and Gorsline Runciman Funeral home for the tender care and compassion shown to Mom.