of Chelsea, Michigan, age 82, died Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born August 29, 1931 in Chelsea, Michigan, the daughter of Oscar William and Alma Bertha (Kalmbach) Kalmbach.
Donna graduated from Chelsea High School in 1949, and was president of her class. She attended Michigan State University obtaining a Basic College Certificate in Home Economics. Donna was a homemaker but did whatever was needed to be done for the family's flower business (Southview). She picked up jobs as Jim's parents slowly cut back on their responsibilities by grading flowers, doing book work, answering phone. Later, she served as Secretary for the corporate board. A lifelong Methodist at Salem Grove and Chelsea First United Methodist churches, she was altar flower chair for 45 years, a member of the United Methodist Women, chaired the luncheon for the Women's Bazaar, and other dinners. She also chaired some of the Band Boosters Dinners. Donna played the organ at the Cole Funeral Chapel for over 50 years, and was a substitute organist at several local churches, including First Congregational Church and St. Paul United Church of Christ. She enjoyed playing cards - especially Bridge. Donna's life can be described by faith, family, flowers, friends, music, and food.
On July 7, 1951, she married James Frederick Gaunt at the Salem Grove United Methodist Church, and he survives. Other survivors include three sons, Daniel (Antoinette Keim) Gaunt of Chelsea, Richard “Ric” (Debra) Gaunt of Walled Lake, Thomas (Laura) Gaunt of White Lake; seven grandchildren, Steven (Richele), Kristin (Ethan) McLaughlin, Nicole, Michelle, David, Chelsea, Nicholas “Nick”; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Isla and Oliver; a sister, Carolyn Beal of Saline; and two nieces and two nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Sanderson, and brothers-in-law, Leon Sanderson and Jim Beal.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 24, 10:30 am at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea, Michigan. The family received friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Sunday from Noon to 3:00 pm and 5-7 pm, and Monday at the church from 9:30-10:30 am. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park Street, Chelsea, MI 48118.