Donna Marie Clink

Donna Clink, of Ames, Iowa, went to her Lord, on Monday, July 27, 2026 surrounded by the love of those whose lives she so deeply touched. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, selfless service, generous hospitality, and unconditional love for her family, friends, and community.

Donna was born on May 31, 1939, to her parents, Harold and Evelyn (Deal) Green in Ames, Iowa and she was the last baby born in the old wing of Mary Greely Hospital. She graduated from Ames High School in 1958. After high school, she began working at Woolworth's Dime Store. Throughout her career, she worked in several daycare centers, drove the Handicap Bus in Ames, and eventually became the Evening Custodial Supervisor at the Iowa State University Memorial Union before retiring in 1997. Retirement did not slow Donna down, it simply allowed her to devote herself full-time to what she considered her greatest calling: caring for others.

Donna married the love of her life, Clarence "Clancy" Clink, in 1976 in Ames, Iowa. Together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, faith, and an open door for anyone in need. Caring for family was one of Donna's greatest honors. Over the years, she lovingly cared for her brother Paul, her husband Clancy, both of her parents, her daughter Amy, and her sister Judy. She never viewed caregiving as a burden but as a privilege and a way to express God's love through acts of kindness.

Hospitality was one of Donna's greatest gifts. Holidays at her home were never just family gatherings, they were opportunities to welcome anyone who might otherwise spend the day alone. She believed everyone deserved a place to belong, a warm meal, and to feel loved. Her table was always open, and her heart even more so.

Donna's faith was the foundation of her life. She was an active and devoted member of Christ Community Church in Ames, Iowa, where she faithfully served in countless ways. Her favorite ministry was teaching at the 3 year old Sunday School class, and few things brought her more joy than hearing former and current students excitedly greet her as "Teacher Donna" wherever she went. She treasured each child she taught and considered it a blessing to help them grow in their faith.

One of Donna's most beloved church traditions was serving with the annual Perfect Gift program. She faithfully organized the cookie room, baking between 500 and 1,200 sugar cookies each year so children could decorate them and take home a sweet reminder of the season. It was a labor of love she eagerly embraced year after year.

Donna also expressed her love through creativity. She was an avid crafter who delighted in making tie blankets for nearly everyone she knew. She lovingly created blankets to celebrate new babies, to encourage high school graduates as they left for college, and to comfort others during difficult times. She also assembled thoughtful craft kits, cross kits, and survival kits to bless members of her church and community. Her home was often filled with colorful fleece, ribbons, supplies, and projects waiting to brighten someone's day.

Her ministry extended beyond the church walls. Donna regularly opened her home to host a weekly Bible study for five or six women from her church, creating a welcoming place for friendship, prayer, and spiritual growth. Whether offering encouragement over coffee, preparing a meal, or simply listening with compassion, Donna made everyone feel seen, valued, and loved.

Donna will be remembered for her servant's heart, steadfast faith, generous spirit, and the countless quiet ways she cared for others. Her life was a beautiful reflection of grace, compassion, and hospitality. She showed those around her that love is often expressed not in grand gestures but in faithful acts of service, a warm blanket, a plate of homemade cookies, an open seat at the table, and a heart willing to care for those in need.

Though she will be deeply missed, Donna's legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the children she taught, the friends she welcomed, and the many lives forever changed by her kindness and unwavering faith. Her example reminds us that a life devoted to serving others is a life well lived.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence ‘Clancy’ Clink; her daughter, Amy Clink; her parents, Harold L. Green and Evelyn Rosella (Deal) Green; her brother, Paul Green; her sisters, Judy Green and Frances (Scott) Woodworth; and her nephew, Michael Geurts.

She will be missed by her sister, Ellen (Marvin) Geurts; her “bonus family” Deb (Keith) Swanson, Kendra (Drew), Joelle (Kyle), TJ, Harper, Gracie, and Everleigh; her nieces, nephews and abundance of friends.