Donna Marie Franz, 75, of Salt Lake City, UT passed away peacefully on Saturday August 11, 2018. She was born to Grant and Ella Beebe Jacobs, on Feb. 17, 1943 in Santa Ana California. She was raised in Santa Ana, and graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1961.
She met a handsome Marine at a church dance, and soon after, she and Steven G. Franz were married in the Salt Lake City LDS temple on Feb. 7, 1964. They moved back to California for a short time, and then settled in Salt Lake City where they raised their 4 children Eric, Heidi, Jarred and Brandon. She was a devoted wife to her husband Steve. They celebrated 54 years of marriage this past February. They had many great adventures traveling the country together.
Being a mother was her greatest calling and she loved making her children matching clothes, and was a very fun mom, always creating games and fun things for her kids to do. She loved decorating for the different holidays, and Christmas was, of course, the big one. Almost every room in the home had some decorations, but in the living room there wasn’t a square inch that was missed. It truly was a Christmas wonderland. Donna loved being a Grandma and was a huge supporter of all her grandkids: attending many ball games, performances and activities they were involved in. She never missed a special occasion, cards were always sent and phone calls made, which was a perfect example of her loving and caring personality.
Donna was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in numerous callings and always took the opportunity to show her love for others and the Gospel. She was a lifelong member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Serving as local chapter president, she enjoyed learning the history and participating with the other members of the organization. She traveled with her husband to most of the DUP Monuments located in the United States. She leaves a legacy of Christlike service and love for others and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband Steven G. Franz, her children Eric (Heidi) Franz, Heidi (Mario) Bettolo, Jarred (Leslie) Franz, Brandon (Monica) Franz. 17 Grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings Howard, Ken, and Arline.
The family would like to thank the staff at Spring Creek Healthcare Center for their loving care of Donna.
Services will be held Thursday, Aug. 16th, 2018 11:00 am at the Salt Lake 31st Ward Building, 1078 McClelland St, Salt Lake City, with Bishop Jeremy Wimmer officiating. The family will visit with friends and family on Wednesday evening from 6:30-8pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 S. Highland Dr. Salt Lake City, and Thursday from 10-10:45am prior to services at the church. Burial will be at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery.
