Donna Lea Magner

October 24, 1938 – June 26, 2025

With profound sadness, the family of Donna Lea Magner announces her peaceful passing on June 26, 2025, at the age of 86. Though the world has lost one of its kindest souls, Donna’s legacy of love, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Born on October 24, 1938, in Bethany, Missouri, to James and Dorothy Gillespie, Donna grew up in a home where the values of compassion and loyalty were deeply rooted. Values she would carry and exemplify throughout her life. It was in Indiana that she met the love of her life, Wendell Gene Magner, and together they built a beautiful 66-year journey centered entirely around their family.

Donna was more than a devoted wife—she was the heart of her family. Her four children, Ricky (Dana) Magner, Vicky (Brad) Brooks, Johnny (Christina) Magner, and Barry Magner, were the light of her life. Her nurturing spirit and wholehearted love made her an exceptional mother, always ready to do anything for anyone and offer comfort to all.

As a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Donna’s love radiated even more brightly. Her thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren knew her as a woman whose presence felt like home, and whose joy was greatest when her family was near.

Donna is survived by her siblings, Mary Lou (Bob) Parks, and Judy (Marion) Eubank, and Gary (Cathy) Gillespie. Survived by in-laws, Sharon, Sue, and Jacque Gillespie, and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents James and Dorothy Gillespie, and her brothers Gene, Burl, and Wayne Gillespie.

She had a rare gift for making people feel valued, loved, and truly seen, welcoming friends, neighbors, and even acquaintances as if they were family. Yet her greatest joy was always found in the presence of her family. To Donna, family was not just a part of life—it was the purpose of life.

Donna Lea Magner was truly the best woman in the world—gentle in word, fierce in love, and boundless in compassion. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and eternally cherished.

A visitation for Donna will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel, the funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 PM. Services will conclude at Swan Lake Memory Gardens, Peoria.