Donna Rae Oldham

Maricopa, AZ - Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Donna Rae Oldham, 79, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the home she shared with her daughter, one of her sons and grandson Kenneth. She is now reunited with her husband, Richard Lee Oldham and her parents Byron and Dolores Cater.

Donna is survived by her brother Bill (Julie) Cater of Phoenix, Arizona, sons Richard (Richie), Donald (Kathy) Oldham of Maricopa, Arizona and daughter Denise R. Oldham of Maricopa, Arizona. She also leaves her memory with 16 grandchildren - Ricky (Jana), Josh, Heather (Nate), Beth, Ally, Amilia, Christa, Naomi, Michael, Genesia (Marqual), Jennifer (Anthony), Kenny, 10 great-great grandchildren, 3 nieces and 3 nephews and their families. She lived a legacy of faith, love and devotion to her family.

Born Donna Rae Cater on September 5, 1946. As a child she cared for her sick mother and upon her parent's passing she cared for her autistic brother. She moved to Arizona with her family in 1959 where she met and married her beloved husband, Richard.

She loved to crochet and do Doodle art. One of her favorite past times was rock hunting (Desert Roses) and play card games, like canasta with her husband and family. Donna was an avid Avon collector along with Chevron cars, she loved to Square Dance with Richard, and spent weekends camping and fishing with family. When those physical activities became too difficult she loved playing her video games on her phone (Grand Harvest Solitaire, Township and many others), watching cat videos on TikTok and escaping in a movie or tv series (as long as it wasn't about Vampires). She really enjoyed Lord of the Rings.

Donna dedicated her work life to managing a laundry mat, representing Avon and finally as a security guard, where she retired as a lieutenant. But her most rewarding job was being a loving daughter and sister, and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She was an amazing woman with a heart of gold. Donna was loved by many and will be mourned by all.

Services entrusted to J. Warren Funeral Services Cole & Maud Gardens Chapel of Casa Grande, Arizona. A funeral service honoring Donna will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:00am at Gospel Light Baptist Church in Mesa, Arizona. Graveside services and burial will follow at Mesa City Cemetery. The family asks for flowers to be delivered to J. Warren Funeral Services no later than 4pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.