Donna M. Depew

Donna M. DePew, 81, of Highland, IL, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Well Care Home of Highland.

She was born on September 21, 1943, in St. Louis, MO, to Benjamin and Mary (nee Gregory) Rudolph.

Donna grew up in Alton, IL, and moved to Highland in 1967. She worked as a CNA and ER Tech at St. Joseph Hospital in Highland for 20 plus years. Donna was a member of the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, the Highland VFW Auxiliary, the Highland Jaycee’s, and a camping group called the Star Craft Club. She enjoyed reading, gardening, making floral arrangements, acrylic painting, and most of all, cooking. Donna loved to cook for everyone and entertained guests a lot when she was younger. She used to belong to a Bunco league and always had fun playing cards and games with her friends and family. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend, Donna will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Lopez; second husband, Ed Byars; third husband, Bobbie DePew; son, Greg Byars, in infancy; parents, Benjamin Rudolph and Mary Mitchell; sisters, Darleen Phillips and Diana Tremor; and aunt, Melva Meyer.

Donna is survived by her children, Robert (Arlene) Lopez, Antioch, IL, Darla (Sean) Smilek, Highland, IL, and Mitzi (Gary) Zurliene, Greenville, IL; grandchildren, Robby (Chrissie) Lopez, Jeremy (Steph Pozos) Lopez, Dalton Smilek, Amber (Adam) Markus, Ashley (fiancé, Tony Heimsath) Zurliene, and Wendy (Brett) Gustin; great grandchildren, Bodhi Lopez, Draco Lopez, Sophie Markus, Sadie Markus, Owen Markus, Hazel Gustin, and Ella Gustin; brother, Donald Mitchell; multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Highland VFW Post 5964.

Memorial Graveside Service: Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Highland City Cemetery, Highland, IL

Clergy: Pastor Bill Kapp

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL