Donna Warner Long

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donna Lee Warner Long, who left us on September 26, 2026. Donna was born on June 23, 1942, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Robert Raymond Warner and Bertha Sylvia Looper Warner.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Larry and Shirley, and by her cherished husband of 62 years, Frederick Carl Long. Their love story began at a church ice cream social. They were married shortly after high school in Salt Lake City. Together they built a beautiful family that became the center of Donna’s world.

Donna is survived by her brother Robert Warner and her loving children: Frederick R. (Patricia) Long, Robert M. (Harold “Skip” Bacon) Long, and Dawn L. (Steven) Schwanke. Her proudest role was that of “Grammy” to her grandchildren: Frederick (Katherine), Robert (Allissa), Lauren (Cole), and Hope (Zach). She cherished her six great-grandchildren: Blake, Aria, Frederick, Ellie, Forest, and Dove. Each of Donna’s family members carries forward her legacy of warmth, kindness, and love.

With a creative and resourceful spirit, Donna’s hands were never idle. Over the years she taught herself to refinish wood furniture (a skill definitely influenced by her father), to garden, and to expand her culinary skills. She was especially known for her sewing. Her drive to learn new skills led her into antique sewing and then to online research, where she networked with other seamstresses through sewing chat rooms. While Donna created countless treasured items—from smocked dresses to handsome holiday vests—perhaps the most treasured are her legendary “Grammy Jammies.”

With her love of family, Donna’s home was a beacon of warmth and hospitality, especially during the holidays. She had a remarkable ability to make each celebration magical, particularly Christmas, where her thoughtful gifts and delectable cooking brought joy to all. After a robust, delicious meal, guests and family could count on a lively game of cards in which her quick wit and competitive spirit filled the evening with laughter and fond memories.

Her heart was as kind as it was generous. Donna was the center of the entire family—especially for the children. Her natural ability to listen and her compassionate nature made her beloved by all who knew her. Donna’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her family are the hallmarks of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to Hope House Colorado (hopehousecolorado.org).

Donna touched countless lives with her kindness, creativity, and unyielding love for her family. Though she has left this world, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she loved dearly.

We love you and will miss you always.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel, Evergreen Room, 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, CO, on October 23, 2026, at 10:00 am, and a reception will take place immediately following this service. To view the service online please visit: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26106570948540

A Cemetery Committal Service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, CO, on October 23, 2026, at 1:00 pm.