Donna R.J. (Talley) Sheese, 88, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at the Monmouth Nursing Home, Monmouth, IL.
Donna was born May 2, 1936 in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of Harry Sr. and Clara Marie (Travis) Talley. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Lionel and Mabel Cooper in Monmouth. She graduated from Monmouth High School with the class of 1954.
Donna married Russell E. Sheese on February 6, 1955 at the First Christian Church in Monmouth, IL and he passed away on December 23, 1999.
Donna was a homemaker for years before later serving as a cafeteria worker at both Warren School and Immaculate Conception School. She later worked in customer service at Axline’s Pharmacy, and she volunteered at the Monmouth Hospital for years as well.
Donna was a member of the Rebekahs and the DAR society. She was also a member of the Warren County Genealogical Society, and she shared a passion of collecting antiques and Western Stoneware with her husband. Donna enjoyed drawing and coloring beautiful pictures as well. She was also an extremely talented cook, with a knack for frying chicken or baking strawberry rhubarb pies. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave her immense happiness and pride.
Survivors include her two sons Gary L. Sheese of Monmouth, Rick E. Sheese of Mason City, Iowa, and one daughter, Toni K. Sheese of Monmouth. She had six grandchildren, Andrew (Emily) Waterman, Nicholas (Kayla) Waterman, Joshua (Katie) Sheese, Ashley (Brandon Ibera) Sheese, Tristan Sheese, and Morgan Sheese. Seven great-grandchildren include Elizabeth, William, Finnegan, Noah, Camden, Sam, and Emily; her brother, William (Arletha) Talley; sisters, Katherine Parker, Dixie Reimolds and Mary Ann (Will) Cole, all of Monmouth. Also surviving is her cousin, Linda Talley of Monmouth, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, aunt and uncle, husband, one son, Randall Sheese; five brothers, Jim Talley, John Talley, Jerry Talley, Melvin Talley, and Harry Talley Jr.
A Gathering of Family & Friends will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 27, 2024 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials can be made to the Donna Sheese Memorial Fund. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
