Donna Hart

Donna Hart passed away at home with her family on June 18th, 2016 at 8:19 am following a short illness. Donna was so full of life, made friends instantly, said inappropriate comments daily that made her children blush, dyed her hair purple because she wanted to aggravate her husband, loved her family and was so proud of them.

Donna was born and raised in Colorado Springs, CO where she graduated from Widefield High School.

After high school, Donna moved with her parents to Ohio then to Tampa, Florida where she met her husband of 46 years Norman Hart. Donna's first job was at General Electric but she met Norman at Straihand Mobile Homes where Norman is sure she worked her way up the corporate ladder so he could be her boss and catch his eye. He stood her up on their first date because it was raining and he couldn't find her road. She gave him another try and he must've made it up to her because they were happily married after that.

During the early years of their marriage they loved to ride Norman's Indian motorcycle and it was their only form of transportation in Florida. They traded in their motorcycle after about 2 years for the birth of their highly anticipated first child Susan. While still living in Florida they had their most favorite child Maggie. When Maggie, the most favorite child, was 6 months old they moved to Idaho for Norman to go to work for the Lather's Union but realized they moved the Lather's Union to Boise. They stayed in Pocatello and Norman eventually hired on with the railroad. In Pocatello, they had their beloved son Jacob, who stole the title of highly anticipated and most favorite child. When her children were younger, they would spend weekends at the race track where she was Norman's pit crew. At one point, Donna talked Norman into allowing her to drive his race car and she proceeded to wreck it.

Donna held various jobs including stay at home mom. Her passion and love for animals led her to become the founder and CEO of Hart's Home for Homeless Animals which was a very small non-profit organization. This organization comprised of the children bringing home stray animals and begging her to keep them and Donna talking Norman into keeping them. Norman always believed, "happy wife, happy life" therefore the organization grew as her negotiation skills improved. They ended up moving to Palestine, Texas after 20 years with the railroad in Pocatello in order for Norman to keep his seniority with the railroad as a carman. At first sight of retirement, they moved back to Idaho because there was no place like home. Donna cherished being a grandma and her best smiles came when she was surrounded by her grandchildren. All the grandkids knew what an UNO card shark Grandma was and to use caution when playing with her. She loved and spoiled all of her grandchildren equally.

Donna & Norman enjoyed retirement and loved spending time traveling. They would hop in the car and just drive to wherever they wanted. They once took a road trip that landed them in Canada after a wrong turn in New York. Their children thought they were crazy but also pretty cool! Their most recent trip was to go watch NASCAR in Las Vegas, see the Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon. Donna & Norman loved to go to Salt Lake City and watch the Real Salt Lake soccer team. Donna's most favorite sporting events though, were the ones that her grandchildren participated in and she would try to make it to every game or event.

She is survived by her loving husband Norman Hart, Daughter Susan Hart, Daughter Maggie (Eric) Jablonski, Son Jacob Hart. 6 Grandchildren; Abby, Mariah, Alina, Aidree, Brody & Braxton, and other relatives that she dearly loved.

She is proceeded in death by her Parents; Don & Lucille Smith, Sister, Maggie Ruppel.

This is not good-bye but see you later, you are forever in our hearts and we will always love you!

Donna chose to be cremated and to have no funeral services. Her wishes were for her family to take her to their favorite places and memorialize her there. Her cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road. Memories and condolences may be shared in the "Share a Memory" tab on this website.