Donna Rose Rolando

Donna Rose Rolando, 71, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, at her home in Joplin, Mo., following a lengthy illness. She was born on Nov. 10, 1948, in Fort Scott, Kan., 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., and Malachi Randall of Nashville, Tenn.; 21 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; three siblings, Reta Carpenter and her husband, Daniel, of Nevada, Mo., and Tammy Johnson and her husband, David, of Nevada, and William Newton of Jefferson City, Mo.; and 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; and two sisters, Teresa Robertson and Mary Phelps.

A visitation for the family will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with graveside services following at 2 p.m., at Welborn Cemetery, in Moundville, Mo., with pastor Dan Davis officiating.

Memorials are suggested in her memory to the American Lung Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.