Oct. 31, 1931 - Aug. 15, 2026
Date of Service: Aug. 28, 2026
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PAUL – Donna Fern Wilkins, a 94-year-old resident of Paul, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2026.
PAUL, IDAHO – Donna Fern Wilkins, a 94-year-old resident of Paul, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Donna was born on October 31, 1931, in Burley, Idaho, the beloved daughter of Willard and Annie Jane Jolley. She grew up in the Unity area of Burley, where she experienced a life marked by hard work, deep devotion to her family, and a memorably sassy personality that brought joy, spark, and laughter to those who knew her. After high school, Donna furthered her education by attending the Holy Cross School of Nursing in Salt Lake City.
She met the love of her life, Arland Howard Wilkins, on a blind date, and the two were later married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 9, 1952. Together, they built a beautiful home and family, raising their children—Marlene, Yvonne, and Brent. Donna was a true partner to Howard in every sense, frequently rolling up her sleeves to help with the demanding work on the family farm. Her hands were rarely still; she was a dedicated canner who preserved the bounties of their harvests, and her kitchen was famous for producing her legendary sticky buns.
Donna’s love for her family was tangibly felt through her beautiful handiwork. She lovingly crocheted intricate doilies, spent hours tying quilts, and made certain that every single grandchild and great-grandchild was welcomed into the world with one of her special, handmade receiving blankets. In her quieter moments, she was an avid reader who loved getting lost in a good book.
As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Donna dedicated much of her life to caring for others and living her faith. She found immense peace attending the temple and had a special place in her heart for the Young Women organization, particularly cherishing the memories and fun of attending Girls Camp.
Donna is now joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Howard, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Frank Jolley, Dale Jolley, Wayne Jolley, and Gary Jolley; as well as her half-sister, Marjorie Randall. Her legacy of warmth, strength, service, and a beautifully sassy spirit will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and the many friends whose lives she touched.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jeffrey Swenson and the dedicated staff at Minidoka County Memorial Hospital, as well as the compassionate nurses of Hospice Visions LLC, for their exceptional care and support.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 28, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Paul Stake Center, located at 424 W. Ellis St., in Paul, with Bishop Scott Blauer officiating. Burial will follow at Paul Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, August 27, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, at the church.
A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/RC8vs5n3LWo.
