Donna Rose Rolando

     Donna Rose Rolando, 71, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at her home in Joplin, MO following a lengthy illness. She was born on November 10, 1948 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the second child to the union of Albert F. Newton and Rosie Mae (Elliott) Hardin.

     Donna was married to Terry E. Rolando on June 2, 1981 and he survives of the home.

     Donna worked for her mom at the boarding home in Nevada, MO for a number of years. She then worked at Nevada Habilitation center from 1978-1987 until she was injured on the job. Donna was a kind and compassionate person who loved life and her family, always putting her family before herself. She loved to bake, trying different recipes. Her hobbies included crocheting afghans, putting puzzles together and reading Intrigue/Romance books, and Flea Marketing. Donna was always there for family and friends for either giving advice or a shoulder to lean on. Holidays were a special time, and also when her grandbabies were born. This is a quote from her in regards to her big family, “Oh! My goodness look what I’ve started.

     In addition to her husband Terry, she is survived by one son, Robert Nichols and his wife Lisa of Bronaugh, MO; one daughter, Luella (Genie) Hewitt of Laclede, MO, daughter-in-law, Cindy (Wiese) Nichols of Thayer, MO; 12 grandchildren, Travis Anderson of Nevada, MO, Brian Anderson and his wife Linda of Jefferson City, MO, Maudie Snare of Reeds, MO, LaDonna Fleener and Greg of Nevada, MO, Timothy Nichols and his wife Roberta of Sheldon, MO, Andrea Moore and her husband Arik of Bronaugh, MO, Scotland Dice of Joplin, MO, Danny Smith and his wife Amanda of Aurora, MO, Alexis Smith and Matthew of Aurora, MO, Shae Malcom of Joplin, MO, Skye Malcom of Butler, MO, Malachi Randall of Nashville, TN; 21 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; three siblings, Reta Carpenter and her husband Daniel of Nevada, MO; Tammy Johnson and her husband David of Nevada, MO and William Newton of Jefferson City, MO; numerous nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Louisa Martin; one son, Clarence “Marty” Nichols; one brother, Albert “Sonny” Newton; two sisters, Teresa Robertson and Mary Phelps.   

     A visitation for the family will be from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with  services following at 2:00 p.m.  on Saturday, January 11, 2020 in the Ferry Funeral Home Chapel with a private family interment at Welborn Cemetery in Moundville, MO with Pastor Dan Davis officiating.

     Memorials are suggested in her memory to the American Lung Association c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

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