Donna Lee Bussard

BUSSARD, Donna Lee, 71, of Longmont, formerly of Boulder, died May 24, 2009 at St. Anthony's Central Hospital in Denver after an extended illness. Donna was born February 10, 1938 in Rapid City, SD, the daughter of Howard and Mabel (Linde) Peterson. She grew up in Keystone, SD where her dad worked on Mt. Rushmore. She worked at the gift shop during her summers and often told stories of dancing with Chief Ben Black Elk. She attended Black Hills State Teacher's College where she received an Associate degree and teaching certificate. She met and soon married ""Buzz"" Bussard in Rapid City, on February 21, 1958 and shortly thereafter moved to Colorado to work and raise a family. Later in her career, she worked as the head housekeeper for three CU sororities over a 15-year period. She became ""Mom"" to many of the girls and always took the time to listen and get to know each of them personally.A consummate mother, Donna was first and foremost a mom and grandma. Her home was the center of the neighborhood, where all were welcomed for food and laughter. She was a dedicated volunteer for all of her children's school events and president of the PTO. She was also an active member and volunteer at the Boulder Valley Christian Church, where she continued to touch more lives. Donna spent much of her free time creating blankets for family and friends and sharing her labors of love. Anyone having a baby was sure to receive one of her special creations. The true pride and joy of her life became her grandchildren, who spent most of their summers at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Their backyard would evolve into a baseball field, basketball court, or racetrack, depending on the day. A talented cook and baker she would never let anyone leave their house hungry. Family dinners were a common occurrence, and laughter and home-baked goodies were a staple. Her infectious laugh could not be mistaken, and quickly spread throughout a room. She was a blessing to so many and will be greatly missed.Donna is survived by her loving husband Buzz of Longmont; her sons Dan (Cindy) Bussard of Boulder and Sean Bussard of Lafayette, her daughters; Tammy (Scott) Feterl of Fayetteville, NC, Pam (K.C.) Balsley of Boulder; three sisters Barbara Hughes and Nancy Ellis of Rapid City, SD and Soni McKone of Billings, MT. Further she is survived by 8 grandchildren Ben Bussard, Katie Feterl, Brandon Bussard, Zack Feterl, Lindsay Bussard, Danielle Balsley, Kyler Balsley, and Shannon Bussard-Li. She is also survived by two great grandchildren Brayden and Madison Bussard. Cremation services have been entrusted to Howe Mortuary of Longmont. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 29 at the Boulder Valley Christian Church, 7100 S. Boulder Road, Boulder, CO 80303.Contributions may be made to the ""Boulder Valley Christian Church"", for the Orphan Assistance Program on behalf of Donna Bussard 7100 S. Boulder Road, Boulder, CO. 80303.