Donna Sue Koonce

Donna Koonce, 70 of Taylor passed away peacefully at home, in the care of loved ones on Thursday, October 22, 2020.

Born Donna Sue Rathke on April 1, 1950 in Taylor, Tx to Walter “Shorty” and La Rue Rathke. She grew up the oldest of four children, with two younger sisters and a younger brother. Donna graduated with honors from Taylor Highschool in 1968. She married Kendall Jay Koonce on February 15, 1969, at First Baptist Church of Taylor. To this marriage came three sons, Kelly, David, and Eric.  Donna retired from Carpenter Company as an office manager after 35 years of dedicated service. Donna was an active person who enjoyed being outdoors and staying busy. She often went fishing with her family and made the best dough bait, guaranteed to catch a fish even when nothing was biting. She was loving and kind to all, always feeding and caring for all the friends and family she opened her home and refrigerator to. She loved watching college and NFL football, cheering the loudest for the Texas Longhorns and Houston Texans. After retiring Donna spent most of her time keeping husband Kendall busy and caring for and spoiling her grandchildren and family,  Her warm and generous spirit will be greatly missed and our family meals will not be the same without her or her signature BBQ and tartar sauces.

She was predeceased in death by her father Walter Rathke and father-in law and mother-in-law Keith and Joyce Koonce.

Donna is survived by her husband of 51 years Kendall; Children Kelly (Jenny), David (Sandra), and Eric (Kelly); 7 grandchildren, Aniya; Alena; Hunter; Hudson; Avery; Benjamin; and Colt; Mother, La Rue Rathke (Oscar Raesz); Sisters, Janis (Clifton) Marek, Nancy (Calvin) Mikulencak; brother, Mike (Melanie) Rathke; brother in law Bob (Lucy) Koonce; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital