Donna Jean Groner

Donna Jean Whitener Groner of Jefferson City, MO, age 82, died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 24, 2024, surrounded by family and holding her husband’s hand.

Donna was born on February 19, 1942, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Martha Campbell. She spent her childhood in Montauk, MO with her grandparents John W and Effie Mae (Martin) Campbell Sr.

She began her high school education at St. Mary’s High School in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and later graduated from Helias High School in Jefferson City, class of 1960.  After graduation, Donna became one of the first certified dental assistants in Jefferson City.  She later studied anthropology and photography at Stephens College in Columbia, MO.

She was united in marriage to Bernard Groner on July 13, 1963, at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Jefferson City, and they celebrated their diamond anniversary in the summer of 2023.  For their more than 60 years of marriage they resided in Jefferson City and were members of Immaculate Conception Church.

Donna is survived by Bernard and their four daughters Maria Groner (Phil) Watson of Arnold MO, Alice Groner of Jefferson City, Jennifer Groner of Lee’s Summit MO, and Amanda Groner (Andrew) Avenoso of Herndon VA; their eight grandchildren Grace Dittmer (Jon) Scoggins, Lydia Watson, Henry Watson, Matthew Groner, Sarah Groner, Leo Avenoso, Adeline Avenoso, and Claire Avenoso; her son-in-law Steve Dittmer; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother and grandparents, her brother David Whitener and sister-in-law Marilyn Whitener, father- and mother-in-law John and Lydia Groner, brother- and sister-in-law Richard and Joann Groner, and brothers-in-law Henry Groner, Robert Groner and the Reverend John Groner.

Donna was known to be quiet, but when she spoke, she revealed her true nature of being witty, wise and sometimes irreverent.  She loved music of many genres and enjoyed attending live music performances.  She and Bernard took frequent trips to New Orleans to take in the music, culture and cuisine of the city.  Donna was a world traveler, visiting 6 of the 7 continents. She traveled to every state in the contiguous United States and Alaska and visited the majority of the American National Parks.  She was an avid reader.  She devoted herself to the art of photography, even building a film darkroom in the basement of her home.  She was tech-savvy and enjoyed learning about and adopting technological advances.  She was a Master Gardener and a member of the Bittersweet Garden Club of Jefferson City.  Her pumpkin pies were legendary.  She was an animal lover and counted her pets among the loves of her life.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Trimble Funeral Homes - Jefferson City with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jefferson City with Fr. Matthew Flatley celebrating.

Burial will be in the Groner family plot in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Jefferson City, Missouri.

The family is grateful to Idalia Molina, Sheri Fields, Janet Roling and Elara Caring Hospice for their devoted care of Donna in her final days.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com