Donna Coss

Donna Coss, 73, of Miller, died Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at her residence.

Mass of Christian Burial was 10:00a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2007, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Miller with Father John Helmueller officiating. Burial was in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Miller, directed by Reck Funeral Home of Miller. Visitation was 3:00-7:00p.m. Friday, January 26 at the church with a 7:00p.m. prayer service at St. Ann's Catholic Church.

Donna Mae Fanning, the daughter of Jessie (Perrott) Fanning and John Fanning, was born in Hand County on December 18, 1933. Donna lived in St. Lawrence, SD where she spent most of her younger years. She attended school here and was very involved in school activities. Donna was an exhibition twirler, a cheerleader, played basketball and was voted Homecoming Queen. Donna went to Mt. Marty School her senior year. She then moved back to Miller so she could be closer to her family.

On September 12, 1953, Donna married Bernard L. Coss at Saint Ann’s Church in Miller. They spent their first few years living in Miller. They purchased 40 acres in Saint Lawrence, SD in 1955 where they continued to live until 1974. During this time Donna gave birth to eight children. She was very devoted wife and mother who was always willing to do what she could to make life better for the family. Donna found peace in sewing clothes for her children after she put them to bed at night. She was well known for her craftiness with decorating her home with hand made items. Many of those close to her would remember the paper mache flowers and doves she made. Her talent in cooking was also known among many. Friend and family would come to her home to enjoy her Chocolate Chip and Coffee and Spice Cookies. She took price preparing large meals and her favorite was her gravy. Even up until the last year she participated in preparing meals for the family, as she knew it was her technique and love that made the dinners special.

Donna worked at JC Penny and Fullerton Lumber Co. She also helped Bernie Pursue his Political Career at the Treasurer’s Office and the Register of Deeds Office as campaign manager and office assistant. When Bernie started his insurance company she was at the office doing her part to make sure things were running smoothly.

Donna was a lifetime member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. She taught CCD for many years and was a member of St. Cecilia’s band in the Altar Society.

Life suddenly took a turn for Donna and her family in 1984 when she suffered from a stroke. She was beyond being defeated. Her determination and faith gave her the power to overcome huge obstacles. Giving up was never an option. This positive attitude changed our lives and continues to do so today. She was very clear to those around her that she never felt as though she was sick. She continued to be driven, and was probably more so, because of her stroke. She exuded love, determination and kindness and even strangers would stop her on the street and compliment her on this beauty.

Donna’s greatest passion was her family, especially her loving husband Bernie whom she cherished, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would look for any reason to have a spontaneous of planned family gathering. The more family around her, the happier she was.

Donna enjoyed many things, but one of her greatest desires were camping trips to the Black Hills. It was her favorite place to go and she passed this passion on to her children and grandchildren. Everyone knew that she made this time a priority and even though she worked hard all of her life, she still found this time to be with her family. Her last camping trip was in May 2006.

Her travels also took her out of South Dakota, throughout the United States, and even out of the country. She traveled to Ireland, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and Mexico. She desired the excitement that her travels brought to her.

Donna was a loving spouse, mother, sister and friend. With her faith as the foundation for her life she touched everyone who came into contact with her. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband Bernard; her children: Timothy (Kathy) Coss, Tamara Coss, Bernadette (Dean) McDaniel, Paul Coss, Daniel (Sheila) Coss, Lance (Kristina) Coss, Kimberly (Donald) McDaniel, and Kevin (DeeAnn) Coss; 20 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; her siblings: Dessie (Eugene) Price and Beth (Leo) Veskerna; two sisters-in-laws: Irene Fanning and Loretta Fanning.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, John and Jessie Fanning; five brothers: Vincent, Joe, Jack, Larry and Gary Fanning; and five sisters: Cleo Bryant, Lorraine Smithers, Leone Perkins, Nadine Fanning, and Ann Miller.