Donna Sue Kelley Palmer, lovingly known as “Nonna” to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her husband and family. She was just weeks shy of celebrating her 90th birthday.

Donna was born on June 13, 1936, in Arvada to Myron Ellis Kelley and Georgia Elsie May Kelley. She graduated from Arvada High School in 1954 and later attended classes at University of Denver, where she met the love of her life, Donald Joseph Palmer. The two were married on December 8, 1956, beginning a remarkable partnership and love story that spanned nearly 70 years.

Shortly after their marriage, Donna and Don moved to New Jersey while Don worked in New York City. During those busy years, Donna devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising their growing family as five of their children were born there. She poured endless energy, patience, and love into caring for infants, school-aged children, and the constant activity that filled their home.

As the family later returned to Littleton, Donna embraced a new chapter of independence. Once the children began leaving home, she pursued a career with the National Planned Giving Institute and indulged her passion for travel, especially international adventures that allowed her to experience new cultures and friendships around the world.

When Don retired, they followed another dream together by purchasing a cattle ranch in Walden. For nearly twenty years, Don and Donna enthusiastically embraced ranch life — raising cattle, haying, and the daily rhythms of country living that connected her to her homesteading roots. The ranch became a treasured gathering place where children and grandchildren created countless memories filled with laughter, work, and love.

Eventually, Donna and Don returned to Colorado’s Front Range, settling on what Donna referred to as a ranch-ette in Elizabeth. Even then, they could not leave the country lifestyle behind. Their home became the heart of large family celebrations, often welcoming up to 40 relatives at a time. After joining a local P.E.O. chapter, Donna joyfully hosted many gatherings there as well. A natural extrovert, she loved bringing people together and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She meticulously planned every detail of each event, often preparing weeks in advance to ensure everyone felt welcomed, comfortable, and loved.

Donna lived life with remarkable energy and curiosity. Her many passions included gardening, camping, nature, skiing, swimming, socializing, and above all, being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a special tenderness for children and animals, especially her beloved pugs, Bella and Ella. No matter where life took her, Donna formed deep and lasting friendships that reflected her warmth, humor, and generous spirit.

Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Donald Joseph Palmer; her six children: Gayle Schroeder (Chip Schroeder), Cynthia Richardson (Gregory Richardson), James Palmer (Jennifer Palmer), Charlene Bowen, Carolyn Waldmann (Greg Waldmann), and Debbie Lininger (Ross Taylor); her thirteen grandchildren: Brianne Kuenz (Ted Kuenz), Collin O’Malley, Laura Richardson, Melissa Harvey (Alex Harvey), Katelyn Pearce (Danny Pearce), Benjamin Palmer, Samuel Palmer, Thomas Palmer (Grace Palmer), Mandy Gilliam, Cooper Bowen (Emily Bowen), Emma Waldmann (Chase Coon), Hanna Waldmann, and Heidi Waldmann; and her thirteen great-grandchildren, each of whom brought their own unique immense joy to her life.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Donna will be laid to rest at the family plot in Walden.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Colorado Swimming Hall of Fame.

Donna’s joyful spirit, welcoming smile, boundless hospitality, and cherished role as “Nonna” will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured so faithfully and loved so completely.