Donna Lee (Tuxhorn) Strode

On April 26th, 2022, Donna Lee (Tuxhorn) Strode is back in the arms of the love of her life and they are dancing their way through the pearly gates of heaven.

Donna Lee was born in Springfield, IL, on September 3rd, 1947, the daughter of Dorothy Ann (Braker) and John F. Tuxhorn, Jr.  She married Richard A. Strode on June 14th, 1968, at the 3rd Presbyterian Church of Springfield after Rick returned from his service on active duty with the US Navy.  She worked at the Franklin Life, continuing through the transition to AIG, and retired as an Actuarial Supervisor.     

Donna Lee was preceded in death by Rick, her parents, and her sister Judy and husband Paul Nika.

She is survived by her children, son Todd A. (wife, JoAnn) Lawson, daughter Martha M. (husband, Steve) Miller, and son Donald R. (wife, Valerie) Strode; grandchildren, Wayne A. Lawson, Richard R. Lawson (Alicia), Alicia N. Strode, Sydni L. Strode, and Cody R. (wife, Meagan) McCaughan; great-grandchildren Harper, daughter of Rick, Raiden, son of Sydni, and Iris, daughter of Alicia; step-grandsons, Richard L. Dowllar (wife, Kimberly), and Joseph A. Dowllar; step great-grandchildren, Miranda and Mackenzie, daughters of Richard, and Zachary, son of Joseph; siblings Sharon Suits, Patricia (husband, Doug) Piper, John (wife, Cindy) Tuxhorn, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Donna Lee loved to shop.  She loved to garden and had the most beautiful flower garden.  She enjoyed feeding the birds and watching Rick feed his squirrels.  They loved to play cards and hit gambling establishments with Tom and Donna Strode.  She also loved to fish and hunt with her boys.  But most of all she loved being surrounded by her grandchildren and other family members. 

Visitation will be held for Donna Lee on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home in Springfield from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 3:00 p.m.  A live feed of the memorial service will be available for those who cannot physically be present at https://www.facebook.com/ellingerkunzandparkfuneralhome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Shriner’s Children Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

When she reached heaven, we are sure Rick was awakened from his 6 month long nap by R-I-C-H-A-R-D!!  I’m here!!  Did you get my roses planted yet?!?

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