Donna Parkinson Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donna Kay Parkinson, 65, on July 10, 2025, in Blackfoot, Idaho, following a brief illness.

Donna was born on June 3, 1960, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Kenneth Carl Romrell and Helen Thomson Romrell. She was raised in Sugar City on the family farm, the youngest of six children. She grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and the strong work ethic that farm life instills.

On September 8, 1978, Donna married the love of her life, William "Bill" Parkinson, in Plano at the home of Keith and Darlene Parkinson. A year later, they were sealed for eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on the same day, September 8, 1979. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children: Kimberly, Lindee, Clayton, and Ashlee. Donna was also the proud and doting grandmother of ten beloved grandchildren who were truly the light of her life.

Professionally, Donna worked for several years as the manager of the Best Western Hotel in Blackfoot before beginning her career with the City of Blackfoot in 2012 as an administrative assistant, where she worked until her retirement in May of 2022.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Donna served in many capacities over the years, including callings in Primary and Young Women's, where her warmth and energy touched many young lives.

Donna cherished her role as a mother and grandmother above all else. She was her family's greatest cheerleader and was always in the stands, always on the sidelines, always there. She loved traveling with her sweetheart, Bill. Together, they enjoyed memorable trips to the Florida Keys, Hawaii, a cruise to Mexico, and countless adventures in their camper throughout the Pacific Northwest and the scenic Idaho mountains.

Donna was known for her vibrant, mischievous personality and her ability to light up any room. She loved with her whole heart, treated everyone with kindness, and had a rare gift for making people feel truly special. She was deeply loved by all who knew her and will be missed.

She is survived by her loving husband, William J. Parkinson of Blackfoot; her children, Kimberly (the late Alan) Keele and their children Caden, Cole, Bryce, and Hadlee, Lindee (Shawn) Williams and their children Theodore and Cora, Clayton (Lizzie Wackenhut) Parkinson and their children Lawrence and Simon, and Ashlee Bostwick and her children Rikerr and Jaxon whom she shares with Jordon Bostwick; siblings Kenda (Demar) Merrill, Colleen (Ron) Thomas, Kathryn (Steve) Brown, Karen (Mike) Nielsen, and Don (Darla) Romrell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Helen Romrell, and her son-in-law, Alan Keele.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Plano Cemetery, 6165 West 4500 North, Rexburg, Idaho. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Thursday evening, July 17, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Avenue, Blackfoot, Idaho.