Donnetta “Donna” Jean Matteson, 89, of Kadoka, SD, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, at the hospital in Philip, SD, surrounded by her loving family.
Donna was born on October 20, 1935 in Gordon, Nebraska to Ruby J. Wren and Donald Cotton. She was raised by her mother and Joseph Parks.
She later married Charles A. Matteson, and together they welcomed eight children. Their family lived on a farm north of Gordon, NE. They later sold the farm and moved to Edgemont, SD. After several years, they relocated to Edgerton, WY for work in the oil fields. Following her separation from Charles, Donna and her sons moved to Martin, SD where she built a life filled with love, dedication and service to her community.
Donna worked for many years at the nursing home and hospital before she became a teacher’s aide at the Martin Grade School, a position she held from 1991 until 2015. Prior to that, she also drove school buses and worked in housekeeping. She took great pride in her work and had a deep love for the children she helped throughout her career.
Donna enjoyed camping trips, road trips, hiking and tending to her garden. She especially loved sitting nearby watching her family. She cherished all the time she had with her grandchildren, making every moment special by having slumber parties, playing games and eating ice cream. One of her favorite pastimes was visiting the refuge for birdwatching and picnics, that always had red ring bologna sandwiches.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby and Joseph Parks; her husband Charles Matteson; her brothers Joseph Parks Jr. and Gary Parks; her sisters Mary Rawles and Sally Parks; her daughters Dana Matteson and Janet Caylor; her sons Johnny Matteson and Jimmy Matteson and her grandchildren Angel Roller, Dean Caylor and Dane Caylor.
She is survived by her daughters: Sharon (Richard) Roller of Durango Colorado, Cheryl Jean(Bill) Nichols of Palmer, AK, Judi (Gregg) Claussen of Martin, SD; her son Charlie (Tory) Matteson of Sioux Falls; and her beloved grandchildren: Jeremy Caylor, Justin Roller, Sarah Stephan, William Nichols, Jessica Schoener, Brandon Claussen, Trent Deines, Chelsi Claussen, Shelby Claussen, Liam Matteson, Asher Matteson, Aidenn Schlaht, Ayriana Schlaht, Brittney Kelley, Charli Schlaht and Stevie Schlaht. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren: Jayden Caylor, Jerrica Caylor, Kiera Caylor, Huntley Caylor, Wade Roller, Ewan Roller, William Z. Nichols, Lillian Nichols, Leland Nichols, Bridger Schoener, Kesler Schoener Kenedi Claussen, Drew Claussen, Kambel Claussen, Kambri Claussen, Cralynn Jean Claussen, Kailor Weber, and Hadley Jean Claussen.
A funeral service will be held on February 20, 2025, at 1:00PM at the Presbyterian Church in Martin, followed by burial at Gordon Cemetery.
Donna’s kindness, strength and unwavering love for her family and community will be dearly missed but forever remembered.