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BORN
1930
DIED
2024
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Donna Will Obituary
Donna Mae Will, 94, of Whitehall, passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
Donna was born on February 23, 1930, to Robert and Nora (Flynn) Critchett, in Ferry, MI. She graduated from Whitehall High School in 1947. In 1949, Donna married Richard Will, and together they had 7 children.
After having children, she attended Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and received her Bachelor’s degree, and subsequent Master’s degree, in Education.
Donna worked as an educator for Whitehall District Schools from 1968 – 1994. She began her teaching career as an elementary teacher and transitioned later to teaching math at the middle school level. She worked on many projects with the GVSU Math & Science Center, including a summer fellowship at Princeton University to write a middle school math curriculum.
Donna was the happiest when she was spending time with her family and being active in her community. One proud achievement was her role in establishing the current White Lake Community Library and serving as a member of the library board. She was an active volunteer for several local organizations including White Lake Women’s Club, Hackley Hospital, Muskegon County Democratic Party, Michigan Education Association, P.E.O. Sisterhood, and American Heart Association. In her retirement, she taught the Hazards of Tobacco program through the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.
Donna is survived by: her children, Gary (Lori Blair) Will, Wendy (Andrew) Shalifoe, Mark (Mary Kay) Will, David (Karla) Will, James Will, Daniel (Judi Searing) Will, and Joni Will; and 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Donna was preceded in death by: her husband, Richard; her parents, Robert and Nora; brothers, John, Walter, and Douglas; sisters, Marjorie and Mildred; and great-grandson, Indiana.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00PM, at Lebanon Lutheran Church, 1101 S. Mears, Whitehall, MI. The memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, October 26, at 11:00 AM, at Lebanon Lutheran Church, with Pastor Doug Ogden presiding. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. A family graveside service will be held prior to the memorial service at Oakhurst Cemetery, in Whitehall, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lebanon Lutheran Church, the White Lake Community Library, or the White Lake Women’s Club Scholarship Fund.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com
Memories and Condolences
for Donna Will
Lory (Kassner) Page
November 14, 2024
Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Craig Flietstra
November 8, 2024
I have great memories of working with Donna. We worked for Grand Valley doing middle school mathematics seminars for teachers in West Michigan. A joy to work with and we definitely on the the cutting edge teaching teachers how to make math a hands on experience for middle school students. Donna was a blessing to the math educators in the area.
Karen Johnson
November 4, 2024
Prayers and Condolences to the Family...
Michael and Marian Bozym
October 27, 2024
Oh, no. It’s so sad to hear about Mrs. Will. It was such a pleasure to have worked with her as a colleague at Whitehall. She was the consummate professional always aspiring to quality. Personally, I loved her smile a quick wit. She lived with passion and dedication. Donna and I worked for the development of our Community Library and then together as library board members.
Her legacy shines.
RIP, Mrs Will
Mike and Marian
Theresa Price
October 26, 2024
Donna sparked a love of reading for me when she read aloud the whole book Where the Red Fern Grows to our elementary class. I am grateful for her passion to teach and that I was able to share how she influenced my life. It was always a joy to see her at the diner when working nursing shifts at Hackley Hospital. Thank you Donna for all you gave throughout your life!
Scott and Debbie (Converse) Crooks
October 25, 2024
Such an accomplished professional educator and homemaker! Our entire family enjoyed her company, whether over a heated game of "Right-Left-Center (which she frequently won), or during conversations about her early life and friendships. Her humorous wit brought many smiles to our faces. It was easy to see how she was a successful teacher. We send our deepest condolences to her family on her passing.
Jerry & Lee Dickinson
October 22, 2024
To the Will children & grandchildren: Donna was always so cheerful and on top of things. We always enjoyed running into her at various functions and at Gary's Restaurant. May the Lord comfort you in your loss and sorrow.
Jerry & Lee Dickinson
Bev Vandervest
October 19, 2024
She was an awesome teacher to my three girls . See was a big Blessing to all students that where lucky enough to have her for a teacher.
Ed Haynor
October 18, 2024
I served with Donna on the West Michigan Education Association - Retired Board for at least 10 years. She was a great lady, very competent and caring for children.
Judi McIntyre
October 17, 2024
Donna and I worked together at Grand Valley one summer (math). She was such a positive joy and mentor to me and many. Sending my condolences to all her family and friends. I was blessed to have her in my corner as an educator and a friend.
John Homan
October 17, 2024
Sending Love and prayers
Donna Swanson Mills
October 17, 2024
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Donna was joy to work with at Whitehall Elementary School!
A photo I took of Donna and Jim in 2021. She was such a proud mom
Debra Lambers
October 17, 2024
I’m sad to be in California and unable to attend Donna’s celebration of life. I’m grateful to have known her, and my love and sympathy goes out to the entire family. It is indeed a monumental loss as Donna was such a kind human being and everyone that had the privilege of knowing her are better people for it.
Stanley Williams
October 17, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service - White Lake Chapel413 S. Mears Avenue, Whitehall, MI 49461