Donola "Dee" Frances French Nininger

With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Donola “Dee” Frances French Nininger, who was born on October 24, 1939. Dee spent her childhood growing up in Pocahontas and Narrows, Virginia, communities that helped shape the values of faith, hard work, compassion, and service that would define her throughout her life.

Dee was the cherished daughter of Thomas Andrew French and Lana Honaker French, whose love and example helped lay the foundation for the remarkable woman she became.

Dee was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, registered nurse, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. In 1959, she married the love of her life, Beverly “Bud” Van Nininger, and together they built a home centered on faith, love, hard work, and family. Throughout their marriage, Dee and Bud made their home in Roanoke, Virginia; Boones Mill, Virginia; and Elon, North Carolina, creating lasting memories and friendships in each community they called home.

Dee dedicated her career as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, where she had the privilege of caring for mothers and welcoming new lives into the world. Her compassionate nature, gentle hands, and nurturing spirit made a lasting impact on the many families she served. Nursing was not simply a profession for Dee—it was an expression of her deep love for others and her desire to serve.

A longtime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dee’s faith was the foundation of her life. She served faithfully in many callings and, together with Bud, fulfilled missions in Oklahoma and at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. She found great joy in family history work, helping others discover their ancestors and strengthening families across generations.

Above all else, Dee cherished her family. She is lovingly survived by her children: Stape (Rebecca) Nininger of Vinton, Virginia; David (Katherine) Nininger of Liberty, North Carolina; Michael (Brenda) Nininger of Lexington, South Carolina; Peyton (Chris) Jensen of Provo, Utah; and Laura (Curtis) Devlin of Fairfield, California. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Freda Ogle; 19 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she delighted in watching it grow through the generations.

Dee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Beverly “Bud” Van Nininger; her parents, Thomas Andrew French and Lana Honaker French; her brother, Tommy French; and her sister, Barbara Schleusner.

Those who knew Dee will remember her gentle heart, quiet strength, steadfast testimony, and genuine love for others. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and cared for, and her legacy of faith, compassion, and service will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her. Family and friends will also fondly remember her familiar phrase, “well anyway,” a simple expression she would often say when she wasn’t quite sure what to say next—a small but endearing reminder of her warmth, humility, and unique personality that brought smiles to those around her.

While our hearts are saddened by her passing, we find peace in knowing that Dee has been joyfully reunited with Bud, her parents; her brother, Tommy, and her sister, Barbara. Her family finds comfort in the promises of the gospel and in the knowledge that families can be together forever.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude for the many prayers, acts of kindness, and expressions of love shown during this time.

Though Dee’s earthly journey has come to an end, her influence lives on in the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the faith she so faithfully lived. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.