Donna K. Brush, age 74, of Knoxville, Illinois, died at 12:29 P.M. on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born on July 20, 1945 in Banner, Illinois, the daughter of Ernest Paul and Alice Marie (Fairburn) Hallam. She grew up in the Fulton County area, creating many memories and lasting friendships. On July 20, 1963, Donna was married to John Mitchel Hart in Canton, Illinois. She later married Delbert Eugene “Smokey” Brush in Palmyra, Missouri on August 18, 1975. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and three siblings.
Donna is survived by her children: John (Pam) Hart of Collierville, Tennessee, Brenda (David) Hutchings of Galesburg, Illinois, Chris Hart of Marysville, Indiana, Janice (Ward) Kats of Knoxville, Illinois; one step-daughter, Colleen (Ron) Culbertson of Galesburg, Illinois; ten grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; five siblings: Virginia (Don) Tucker of Galesburg, Illinois, Elizabeth (Lawrence) Sparrow of Winterhaven, Florida, Shirley Stevenson of Stover, Missouri, Kathleen Neidig of Canton, Illinois, Eileen Whetstine of Urbana, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
For many years, Donna worked as a coordinator for the VNA in their Meals on Wheels Program, and she enjoyed her work very much; she was very passionate about caring for others. She was a member of the Countryside Bible Church of Monmouth, Illinois. She was an avid bingo player and loved spending time with her family. Her life was full of joy, and she will be dearly missed.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Big Catz BBQ in Knoxville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois is assisting the family. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
