Dona Lee (McRae) Kartchner

Dona Lee McRae Kartchner, 88, passed away February 26, 2020, at her home in Benson, Arizona. She was born October 27, 1931, in Benson to Walter S and Hazel Adeline McRae. Raised in St. David, Arizona, Dona went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from the University of Arizona. She taught high school business classes in Flagstaff, Arizona, for a year following her graduation. Dona married Max James Kartchner in the LDS Mesa Arizona Temple on June 17, 1954.

Dona was known for her sense of humor, spunk, organizational skills, service, and dedication to family and faith. She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, spending countless hours doing family history work as well as serving missions with Max in Guatemala and Chile. The focus of her life was her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was the glue that held them all together. Her life-long acts of service included crocheting afghans for family and charities, sending uplifting notes, and quietly helping those in need. Throughout it all, she kept those around her laughing and rolling their eyes with her witty sayings and “Donaisms.”

Dona was preceded in death by Max in 2016 after 62 years of marriage. They are survived by their eight children, Stanley Kartchner, Zane Kartchner (Suzy), Kim Kane, Jill Wilson (Tim), Dawn Rallison (Todd), Vicki Susa, Gary Kartchner (Julie), and Ben Kartchner (Jen), as well as 27 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Dona is also survived by her siblings, Lorin McRae (Joyce), Elizabeth Kartchner (Dale), and Phyllis Murray (Wayne, deceased). Dona is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Hazel McRae, and siblings, Barbara Johns (Kenneth), June Lofgreen (Glen), Nadine Kellis (Ray) and Stanley McRae.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, at the LDS Stake Center, 381 N. Pomerene Road, Benson, AZ, from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow immediately at the St. David Cemetery. Memories may be shared with the family via email to donakmemories@gmail.com. If desired, donations may be made to https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/funds/humanitarian-general-fund.html. Arrangements by Richardson’s Remembrance Center.

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