Belvidere, IllinoisDona R. Gifford, 85, of Belvidere, IL died Monday evening, December 17, 2012 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Dona was born September 28, 1927 in Savanna, IL the daughter of Albert and Maria Ruth (Feurer) Schoening. Dona married Ralph Gifford in Rock Island, IL on October 26, 1946; he predeceased her on October 6, 1989. She graduated from Mt. Carroll High School and Shimer College in Mt. Carroll. She was a primary teacher for Center Hill and Belvidere Schools, retiring in 1972. She then worked for Champion Packaging retiring in 1989. Dona was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church of Belvidere where she taught Sunday school, served on the church council and sang in the choir; she served on the Community Concert Board, the Salvation Army Board and the Helping Hands Board; as well as being active with the Y.M.C.A. with activities and in her support.She is loved and will be missed by her children Dawn R. Calkins of Tuscan, AZ, Eric A. (Pat) Gifford of Belvidere, Tim R. (Mary) Gifford of Belvidere; grandchildren Karly (Chad) Hall, Shaun Gifford, Derek (Stefanie) Gifford and Ryan Gifford; great-grandchildren Brenden, Faith, Madysen, Remyngton, Cash, Caden, Cael, Camdyn; three nephews. Dona is predeceased by her parents, husband, brother Richard Schoening; sister JoAnne Baker and son in-law Nick Calkins.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to Zion Lutheran Church in Dona's memory.