She was born on September 5, 1935, to Ervin and Helen (Pfeif) Wiest on the Wiest family farm north of Johnstown. She graduated from Johnstown High School in 1953 as the salutatorian of her class. Although she received a scholarship to attend college, Donna chose instead to begin working and building a life close to home.

Donna worked in the offi ce at the Great Western Sugar Factory for several years. On September 18, 1955, she married Dale Dean Kiehn at the Loveland United Methodist Church. She later worked as seasonal help for Hoffman Tax Service, but perhaps her most important role was that of a farmer’s wife and Dale’s right hand. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, hard work and their farm.

Music was a lifelong passion for Donna. At just 13 years old, she began playing the piano and organ at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Johnstown. When the church later merged and became the Johnstown United Methodist Church, Donna continued playing there for more than 50 years. Throughout the years, she shared her gift of music by playing for countless weddings, funerals and special occasions. Music was not simply something Donna enjoyed – it was a meaningful way she served and brought joy to others.

Donna loved to read, sew, hike, and most of all, spend time with her family. She and Dale enjoyed their annual trips to Las Vegas in their early years, later trading those getaways for annual golf trips to Phoenix. She cherished the time spent together and the memories they made along the way.

Donna was a member of the Sunnyside Neighborhood Club, P.E.O. Chapter HP and the Johnstown United Methodist Church for many years. Later in life, she attended St. Paul’s Congregational Church in Greeley, First Baptist Church in Loveland and Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Loveland. Her family is especially grateful to the Olanders for providing transportation to the Loveland churches and helping Donna remain connected to her faith community.

Donna leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure her memory: her three daughters, Denise (Dennis) Stricker, Debbie (Bruce) Rowe and Darla (Darin) Rome; eight grandchildren, Ryan Pollard (Lee Riley), Danielle (Tyson) Ballard, Derrick (Sarah) Rowe, David (Ellen) Rowe, DiAnna (Chad) Presley, Danae Rowe, Ashlee (Colton) Johnson and Eric (Alexis) Rome; nine great-grandchildren, Demery, Sloane, Aria, Tyler, Alexander, Luke, Cooper, Dustyn and Wyatt; and a tenth great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her brother, Leonard (Joan) Wiest; sister-in-law, Alvera Schmidt; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dale, in 2008; her brother, Robert Lee Wiest, who suffered a brain aneurysm while serving in the U.S. Navy; and her parents, Ervin and Helen Wiest.

Donna leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, music, family and a lifetime of devotion to the people she cared for. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Donna’s Life Celebration will be held at 10 a.m. September 25 at the Johnstown United Methodist Church, with a lunch to follow. A private family inurnment will take place at Johnstown Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to “High Plains Crossing” or “Bloom Hospice” and sent in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Memories may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.