Donna Lee Lindsey, 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026, with her loving family by her side.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Phillips Funeral Home with Jeff Nelson and Pastor Rick Gail officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, also at the funeral home. 

Donna was born October 15, 1941, at her parents ¢â‚¬â„¢ home in Shellsburg to Orville and Nina (Ludden) Fish. She graduated from Shellsburg High School in 1959, earned her degree from Upper Iowa University in 1962, and received her master ¢â‚¬â„¢s degree from Truman College in 1967.

On August 25, 1961, she was united in marriage to Gary Lindsey at Trinity Methodist Church. Donna taught in Illinois for 10 years, where their daughter Lisa was born in 1963. The couple returned to Iowa in 1972 and later adopted twin sons, Eron and Eric, in 1979.

Donna devoted her life to education and service. She served as a principal for 36 years and retired in 2006 from West Elementary School in Vinton. Generations of students, teachers, and families benefited from her leadership, encouragement, and steady compassion. During her career, she received a Fulbright Program scholarship and studied in Japan.

Donna possessed a deep love for people and was known for her million-dollar smile, compassionate spirit, and unwavering faith. A devoted Christian, she taught Sunday School at First Assembly of God for more than 20 years and impacted countless lives through encouragement, counsel, and friendship. Donna and Gary have found great joy in their Sunday School class, Bible study, and book club at New Covenant Bible Church for many years. Her greatest joy was her family, and her greatest calling was serving others. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and faith.

Donna is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Gary; her children, Lisa (Kevin) Ridley of Vinton, Eron (Kristine) Lindsey of Ft. Knox, Kentucky, and Eric (Leryda) Lindsey of Danville, Vermont; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her brother, Orland Ronald (Connie) Fish of Shellsburg; and her brother-in-law, David Nichols of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Nina Fish and her sister, Marianna Nichols.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com