A beautiful lady of 98½ years unexpectedly graduated with high honors from this world on the twenty-second of May. Donna was Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Friend, and Neighbor to many and was loved by all that knew her.
Donna was born the 2nd of October 1923 to Walter George and Della Rigby Saville in Salt Lake City, Utah. She had two older stepbrothers and two younger siblings: Vernon and Clifford Saville, Raymond Saville, and Beverly Saville Gardiner.
Donna had a wonderful childhood full of trips to her favorite places like Big Springs, Idaho to go fishing/camping/hiking with her family. Growing up close to Liberty Park allowed her to spend her free time swimming, playing tennis, skating on the frozen pond, and running for hours. Skiing and later dancing added to her repertoire of favorite activities. She was fast and very athletic in most every endeavor she tried. She had a voracious taste for life, and with her high energy, her early days were filled with neighborhood games & tricks. Her stories were akin to “Our Gang” such as switching the whole neighborhood's milk box orders on Halloween or mistakenly lighting fireworks off at the local gas station.
Donna shared with us about getting her tonsils out with 2 of the neighbor kids-----all on her dining room table! “Those were the days” she would say.
She admired her father, Walter, who unexpectedly died when she was in high school. Her mother, Della, was left to care for Donna and her younger siblings on her own, embracing the eternal strength to continue and support them. Donna felt the need to abandon her dream of going to nursing school to help support her mom and siblings, working as a car hop at the Royal Dairy until she graduated from South High in 1942. After that, Donna was never idle, finding work cleaning houses, and becoming a dental assistant. Eventually, she landed at Keeley’s, a well-known candy and restaurant supply store in Salt Lake. When World War II started, she did what she could to support the war efforts, even taking the time to peel the foil off the gum wrappers to donate. During this time, she became engaged to Lee Pace who was killed in a plane crash 6 weeks later while serving his country.
After World War II ended, Donna met her future eternal companion. Mark L. Heyrend was the brother of a co-worker at Keeley’s. He had just been honorably discharged from the Army as a Master Sergeant working on General Patton’s personal Forward Command staff. He was funny, handsome, and witty. He was also highly skilled at the fine art of procrastination; Mark waited an entire month before asking Donna out on their first date. They spent most of their dating time at the famous Saltaire Resort that boasted of the biggest roller coaster in the USA. One time they happened to get stuck on top of it and had to walk down the rails to get off. Dancing also became a passion as they spent hours at the Rainbow Rendevu which featured Americas Greatest Bands.
They were considered accomplished ballroom dancers who performed with the Salt Lake Ballet Theatre in various places and continued dancing well into their 90's. It didn’t take them long to fall in love. They were eventually married on May 28, 1948, and then sealed for all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in 1949. They were together for 73 years in this life. No doubt Donna danced her way into heaven just in time to celebrate 74 years of marriage with Mark, who passed earlier this year in January. The only thing sweeter than union is reunion.
Donna was always a tiny petite little lady (often being called a pocket-size grandma) yet shocked everyone when she delivered her only living son David in April 1950. He was a whopping 9 lb. 10 oz. Over the next four years, Donna suffered from a tubular pregnancy and several miscarriages but was blessed with her first daughter Catherine in April 1954. Donna faced enumerable pregnancy complications during the following years and mourned two stillbirths. She longed for another child and loved children intensely, so she & Mark became a foster family for Utah's Children’s Service Society of Utah. They boarded about 33 newborns over a period of 6 years. Baby # 33, Barbara Ann, born June 1965, stole their hearts and came with so much love that Mark, Donna and kids were elated to make her a permanent part of the family by adopting her. Donna felt her greatest accomplishment in life was her family and grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Donna and Mark felt such joy being able to stay in their own home for the last 66 years surrounded by cherished neighbors and friends that deeply blessed their lives. Donna and Mark became legends of love, acceptance and kindness to all around them.
Donna was a devout and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served as a skilled teacher and leader and director in many different ward and stake capacities. She was a member of the DUP to honor her pioneer heritage. After her kids were older, she enjoyed working for Fernwood’s Ice Cream and Candy store where she made many friends even out of complete strangers. Donna’s dream of being a nurse happened without the college education she once dreamed of. Her longevity, energy and compassion allowed her to spend endless hours caring for many of her elderly family and friends right up to their last breaths, including her beloved husband and best friend, Mark. Together they faced life’s ups and downs, prioritizing family gatherings and vacations. No matter how many generations there were, they adventured on trains and planes and well-used motorhomes together, making beloved memories. They attempted to attend every kid and grandkid event they possibly could. They even kept up their dancing well into their late 90’s. They would win trophies and accolades every time they danced together. Mom was even dancing in her lounge chair the day before she passed.
Strong, yet gentle, humble, consoling, caring and loving unconditionally were her trademarks. Donna was known for her late-night talks, attentive listening, and unconditional love. Donna was always there to support, encourage, understand and hold you up. Her care and concern about others was extraordinary. She never complained or drew attention to herself as she quietly adapted and accepted whatever came her way without a grumble. We dearly recall the many words of wisdom she would teach us by way of word, and most definitely by example. Donna is an example to emulate and pattern your life after. We will fondly miss her creative artistry in her homemade notes, cards and seasonal gifts. Her “treasure hunt” she made with expertly drawn clues and fun surprises are a cherished memory. She made countless picture books for little grandkids. Donna was also a talented seamstress who could recreate the dresses her daughters envied in the expensive store windows. Her loving hands did so much good on this earth touching so many lives and making them better. A true gift from God. She will be deeply missed. Thank you, God, for letting that sweet, wonderful lady be in our lives.
Donna was preceded in death by all her immediate family and two still-born sons, Douglas and Scott; they get their turn with their mother now.
Donna is survived by their 3 children David Mark (Ruth) Heyrend, Catherine (Ray) Elliott, Barbara Ann (Felipe) Sosa. Ten grandchildren listed from oldest to youngest: Christopher Heyrend, Erin Heyrend McGarvey, Jaimee Marie Elliott Fife, Michael Ray Elliott, Eduardo Sosa, Alex Sosa, Mark Robert Elliott, Tamra Sosa, Nate Sosa, and Laycee Elliott Mozingo. Those grandchildren continued to grow and had their own children, giving Donna ten great-grandchildren by the end of her life; they are listed from oldest to youngest: Jordan Heyrend, Kendall Heyrend, Jacob Sosa, Erica Sosa Freeland, Donna Sosa, Peightyn Sosa, Evelyn Ruth Elliott, Cruz Sosa, Wesley Ray Elliott, and Callum Grey Elliott.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Brandon and Kirk of Solstice Healthcare for their loving care.
All services will be held in the LDS Winder Stake Center at 4366 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, UT. A viewing will take place on Friday June 17, from 6-8pm and again on Saturday June 18, from 10:30-11:30am. The funeral will be at 12:00 noon. It Is under the direction of the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. A virtual service will be available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdAaCIunuIY
It can also be found by going to youtube.com and search for Skyview Ward.
