With deep love and gratitude for a life richly lived, we announce the passing of Dona Marie Deffenbaugh, who entered into eternal life on July 16, 2026, at Burke Community Memorial Hospital at the age of 91. Dona was born on May 2, 1935, in Burke, South Dakota, to Delbert and Elsie Drey. She was raised on the family farm near Herrick, South Dakota, where she developed the strong work ethic, resilience, and practical wisdom that guided her throughout her life. She later married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Denny Deffenbaugh. Dona and Denny shared an extraordinary 71 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, hard work, and unwavering commitment to one another. Their home became a place where generations gathered and countless cherished memories were made. A woman of deep Catholic faith, Dona trusted in God’s guidance throughout her life. She found comfort in prayer and strength in God’s promises, and her family finds peace knowing she has now been welcomed into His eternal embrace. Dona was someone others could always depend on. She was also known for her dedicated service of more than 25 years at First Fidelity Bank, where she was respected for her dependability and strong work ethic. She cared for her family through everyday acts of love, whether preparing meals, tending her garden, embroidering thoughtful gifts, spending peaceful afternoons fishing, reading a good book, or faithfully sending birthday and holiday cards. Through these simple but meaningful gestures, she made sure those she loved knew they were remembered. She was especially known for her famous homemade chocolate cake, a family favorite that became a treasured tradition. But it was more than just a chocolate cake. It was a symbol of her love and thoughtfulness, made from scratch for birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, and anyone fortunate enough to receive one. Just as her cake held a special place at so many tables, Dona holds a special place in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Above all else, Dona’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished watching it grow through the generations and treasured every opportunity to gather with those she loved. Her legacy lives on through the traditions she created, the values she modeled, and the care she showed others throughout her life. Dona is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 71 years, Denny Deffenbaugh; her children, Dick Deffenbaugh, Deb Indahl (Blue), Dan Deffenbaugh (Marianne), Doug Deffenbaugh (Brenda), Dudley Deffenbaugh (Shawna), Denise Beuttell (Richard), and Dale Deffenbaugh (Kris); 27 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren, with more blessings on the way; her brother, Earl Drey; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and neighbors whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Elsie Drey; her sister, Ann Hawley; her beloved great-granddaughter, Alexia Dee Deffenbaugh; and many other loved ones. Dona taught us the importance of honoring our commitments, working hard, remaining faithful, and caring for others through the small things we do each day. We will remember her every time we bake her chocolate cake, receive a handwritten card, gather around the family table, or share stories of the life she lived so faithfully. The family would like to give our sincere gratitude to the beautiful people at Silver Threads, Community Memorial Hospital and especially the people of Burke who helped make this transition graceful.

Mass of Christian Burial for Dona Deffenbaugh, age 91, of Burke, SD will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burke. Burial will follow in the Herrick Cemetery, Herrick. There will be a rosary on Friday at 7:00 PM at the Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the Church.