Donna M. Kannall

Donna M. Kannall of Scotts Valley died June 26, 2024, age 95. She was born March 11, 1929 in Polo, IL to Roy and Frances (Hoak) Reynolds, the last of three girls. She graduated from the local high school and afterward attended a branch of the U. of IL in Galesburg where she met her future husband, Virgil. They married in 1949 and were blessed with five children, Stephen (Cheryl) of Springfield, IL, Gregory (Linda) of Mountain View, CA, Dr. Jane Koopman (Jeff) of Scotts Valley, John (Penny) of Elm Grove, WI, and Julia (aka Julie) of Scotts Valley. They were married for 68 years before his death in 2018.

They spent most of their lives in Springfield, IL where Virgil was employed by The Pillsbury Co except for 7 years near Buffalo, NY where he became plant engineer for their largest flour mill. Donna volunteered at the children's schools as librarian and tutor. When they were older she worked 7 years as secretary for an insurance agent. When Virgil retired in 1987 they wintered in CA where 3 of their children had moved, and then moved here permanently in 2002. Besides loving to travel in their RV in the US, they also traveled throughout Europe and eventually to 6 of the 7 continents. They enjoyed 7 cruises as well.

Donna was an avid gardener, canned lots of vegetables, and loved her flowers. Her hobbies included various craft work, painting with oils, reading, and crossword puzzles. She wrote poems and two books for her grandchildren. She was a devoted letter writer sending birthday and anniversary cards to family and cards and notes to friends. In her later years she became interested in her family history and tracked one ancestor down to the 1600s. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi.

Donna was active at San Agustin Church in Scotts Valley as usher, eucharistic minister, lector, and a member of the Altar Society. She volunteered at the pantry at San Agustin and at the St. Francis soup kitchen in Santa Cruz, as did Virgil. Over the years they sponsored 6 individuals throughout the world via various charities.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and 2 sisters, Norma Doherty and Wilma Pierce. She is survived by her 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

All of the above are the facts of Mom's life as she wrote them. But it doesn't begin to convey what she meant to her extended family and many, many friends. She will be remembered for her many acts of service, loving words and never failing patience. She lived her Christian faith, sharing it with hope, humor and love. We all try to emulate her and miss her immensely.

Services will be at San Agustin Church in Scotts Valley on Saturday August 24, 2024 at 10 AM. A reception will immediately follow at Spring Lakes Park clubhouse in Scotts Valley. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna's memory can be made to The Pregnancy Resource Center, 1570 Soquel Dr. SC 95065 or at www.santacruzprc.org.

Published in Press Banner · August 6, 2024