Donna Mae Jepson

Donna Mae Jepson, 91, passed away at her home on June 7, 2025 after confronting degenerative respiratory fibrosis for well over a year (and giving that disease a good what-for). Donna was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Kelly and Belinda Ferrell, their only child. Raised in difficult family circumstances primarily in Blue Island, Illinois on Chicago’s south side, Donna moved to Sioux City, Iowa with her father and his third wife, Cora, early in her high school years. Living next door to Richard and Beulah Jepson and their three children turned out to be prophetic, as the eldest son, Neal, quickly found in his new neighbor both an attractive and kindred spirit. After dating during and after high school, Donna and Neal married in September 1953, as it turned out on the same day as John and Jacqueline Kennedy. As lovely and accomplished as Mrs. Kennedy was, Neal definitely got the better deal with Donna.

Donna and Neal developed and maintained a 60-year marriage defined by love in its truest sense and bolstered by trust, integrity, respect, and a healthy dose of humor. Not unusual for the time, Donna stoically sacrificed furthering her own education in order to support her husband as he completed his undergraduate studies followed by medical school and a residency in ophthalmology, all at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Donna worked as a supervisory telephone operator until undertaking the arduous task of delivering and raising five children beginning in 1958. The family was always her primary focus and joy, in large part due to her unfortunate youth as a motherless only child (Belinda passed away when Donna was an infant) and a father who saw her only sporadically until she was 14.

Looking for a fresh start after Neal’s residency and desiring less humidity, milder winters, and more sunshine, the burgeoning family moved to Colorado Springs in late 1963. Donna eagerly volunteered with a number of local organizations over the years, including the Colorado Springs Medical Auxiliary, Pioneers Museum, and US Olympic Training Center. But her kids and her marriage remained her priority; her devoted husband was crazy about her until his death in 2014, and all five children are unanimous in their agreement that Donna was an unconditionally wonderful mother—strict but not overbearing, loving but not cloying, providing a foundation of grace, intelligence, and structure that served (and continues to serve) each of them well. Her friends were legion and she was equally as devoted to them as they were to her, always available for whatever situation arose.

Donna is survived by her grateful children Dan of Denver, Tom (Julie) and Eric (Amy) of Colorado Springs, Kathy Jepson Flock (Tom, deceased) of Loveland, and Doug (Stephanie) of Fort Collins, as well as nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The grandkids loved their Nana so much—she spoiled them absolutely rotten and made sure they were always the center of her world.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care (https://pikespeakhospice.org). Donna’s children extend their sincere thanks to hospice staff as well as Cornerstone Caregiving for the special and loving care they provided to her, especially in the last weeks of her life. Y’all are awesome.