Donna Lee
Jones
May 2, 1953 - Aug. 25, 2026
BURLEY – Donna Lee Self Jones, born May 2, 1953, in the Republic of Washington, passed away in Rupert, Idaho, Tuesday, August 25, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, and a whole lot of personality that will never be forgotten.
Donna was the daughter of Alvie Desa Self and Janie Ella Moore Self, both of whom preceded her in death. Although she lived in many places throughout her life, she spent much of her life in Burley, Idaho, where she made her home.
Donna was a strong, fierce, strong-willed woman who knew her own mind—and wasn't afraid to let you know it. She could be stubborn, independent, and determined, and once Donna had made up her mind, changing it was no easy task. But beneath that tough exterior was a woman with a loving heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and a softer side that those close to her were, at times, fortunate enough to know.
She had a way of making people laugh and a personality that was uniquely her own. Donna didn't pretend to be someone she wasn't, and she certainly didn't need anyone's permission to be herself. She lived life on her own terms.
Donna worked hard throughout her life. She worked in Loss Prevention at CAL Ranch, at Stokes, and in accounting positions at various other places. She was dependable, capable, and never afraid of hard work.
Outside of work, Donna was happiest outdoors. She loved camping, hunting, animals, and the freedom of being out in nature. The mountains, the wilderness, and the simple pleasures of being outside were where she felt at home.
Donna never had children of her own, but that did not make her life any less full of love. She leaves behind two brothers, two sisters, many cousins, nieces and nephews and friends who will remember her not only for the things she did, but for who she was—fierce, funny, stubborn, loving, independent, and unforgettable.
Donna was also very clear about how she wanted to be remembered. She requested no funeral and no flowers. She wished to be cremated, with her remains scattered in Stanley, Idaho, surrounded by the mountains and wilderness she loved so much and, perhaps that is the most fitting goodbye for a woman like Donna. No elaborate ceremony. No fuss. Just Donna, returning to the outdoors she loved.
She was strong. She was stubborn. She was fiercely independent. She was funny. She was loving in her own way. And she was one of a kind.
She will be missed more than words can say and remembered in the stories, laughter, and memories she left behind.
Rest easy, Aunt Donna. May you forever have open skies, mountain air, good hunting, plenty of animals, and absolutely nobody around telling you what to do.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.