Donna was born on February 3, 1949 in Gideon, Missouri. She moved to Imperial Valley in California in the 50’s and grew up in and around Brawley. Donna married at a young age, and had the first of her children, Richard. Three years later, she had her next son, Don. Several years passed and the family moved to a new valley, settling in Phoenix. It was here that Donna decided to pursue a career in nursing, and graduated from the program of Practical Nursing in 1973. She soon found out that nursing was not much to her liking, so she went on to find a new career. She landed at Crystal Water where she was an administrative assistant. It was at this job where she would meet the love of her life, Ed
Not long after meeting, Donna and Ed married in Phoenix on January 11, 1975. Two years later, they had a daughter, Jennifer, and settled in Peoria, Arizona. They lived in the West Valley for 20 years before relocating to the East Valley and the city of Chandler.
Donna had an enormous love for her family, both blood and adopted. She was always there to lend a helping hand, an empathetic ear, or even some life advice with no judgment. She loved to just hang out and talk – whether with her family or sitting in her rocking chair at home. Even when the house was teeming with kids – playing pool, watching TV or whatever shenanigans they were all up to, she was there right along with them, especially if there was some absurd sci-fi or horror movie playing. These were her favorite - there was not one single B movie she would not watch. As the kids got older and scattered to all ends of the earth, you could still find her sitting quietly with Ed, watching the SYFY channel or in front of the computer playing some colorful puzzle game.
Donna is survived by her son and daughter in law, Richard and Mary Ransdell; son, Don Ransdell; daughter and son in law, Jennifer and Troy Nikolaus; granddaughters, Lydia Robles, Allison Ransdell, and Payton Ransdell; grandson, Roc Ransdell; great grandsons, Andrew and Adrian Duarte; great granddaughter, Briseis Montero; and two beloved dogs, Brandi and Sami.
She is also survived by her brother, Dale Nuckles; sisters, Linda Cheatham, Sheila Sullivan, and Janet Romero; numerous nieces and nephews; and all the “adopted” kids from Granada.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed; sister, Letta; brother, Freddy; and parents, Fred and Ruby Nuckols.
A memorial service to celebrate Donna will be held Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 10:00 am at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, Arizona 85202.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arizona Animal Welfare League, 25 N 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034; https://aawl.org
Due to the current pandemic situation, you are encouraged to attend via Facebook live on Lakeshore Mortuary’s own Facebook page.
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