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Donna Fern Wilkins

Oct. 31, 1931 - Aug. 15, 2026

Date of Service: Aug. 28, 2026

PAUL – Donna Fern Wilkins, a 94-year-old resident of Paul, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Donna was born October 31, 1931, in Burley, Idaho, the beloved daughter of Willard and Annie Jane (Thompson) 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 Idaho 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. Jeffery Swenson and the dedicated staff at Minidoka 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.

Condolences for Donna Fern Wilkins

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Mashell Jolley Anderson:

Marlene, Yvonne, Brent. Aren’t we the lucky ones to have had your mom in our lives. I’m grateful the plan of salvation will keep our families united. Your family is in my prayers, I pray for you to have peace.

From Allene K Lemons:

Oh, how we all loved your parents.

From Perry Gillette:

Gail and I cherished our friendship with Howard and Donna. They were the best neighbors, friends and examples.

From Sherrie Allfrey:

I am saddened at the loss of your mother.
I love her dearly! She was my second mother was such an inspiration in my life.
My deepest condolences sympathy for your loss.
Knowing your mother she is rejoicing with her loved ones on the other side. Especially your father!
My love to all you!

From Liz & Zolie:

Marlene and Pat, Zolie and I are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. She was such an amazing woman! We pray for your comfort and peace.

From David and Dora Faux:

Marlene, we hope all goes well with you and your family as you pay tribute to your mother. Thanks for our friendship.

From Bryan Jolley:

Brent, Yvonne, And Marlene, I am sorry to learn of the passing of your mother and my aunt. She is the last of her siblings to leave us and I’m sorry to see her generation go. I pray that your faith in the savior and his plan will sustain you through this time.

From Cindy Coombs:

Marlene: Your mom was such a kind, sweet and fun lady.
I hope you are filled with peace and love at this time.

From Jana Darrington:

I’ve got so many memories of your Mom. What a great friend she was to my mother, always upbeat, opinionated in the best ways and funny. She was a real treasure to all who knew her and leaves us with wonderful memories. Our thoughts are with you.

From Deborah Murdoch Winegar:

Sending love and sympathy to all of you--Drew and Deborah Winegar

From Nonnie Osterhout Johnston :

I am so sorry for you loss Marlene. Hugs

From Randy Hubsmith:

Sorry for the loss you feel for losing your mother but I'll bet she, Howard and other family members and many friends are having a joyous reunion. She will be a bright star in the reunion just like she always was in this mortal life. At these times I often like to read and ponder a verse from the Old Testament Eccl.7:1 it helps me keep in perspective the wonderful plan God the Father has provided for us. It is a great time for her and a comforting step of progression from the worries and cares of mortality.

From Rick Weickum:

Marlene, I'm sorry about the loss of your mother.

From Kathie Brown:

I am so sorry to hear that your mother has passed away. Your parents were a blessing in my life, they were the best! Be comforted there was a great reunion with your father.

From Susan Neibaur:

Marlene, Yvonne, and Brent, I loved your mother so much! She was such an example to all of us. I’m so happy that she’s been reunited with your dad. I am so sad that I will be out of town for the service. We all loved both of your parents.

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