Donna Lou Whiteside, 86, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, at The Brook of Big Rapids. Born to Donald and Luella (LeVeque) Maxon, she was the second oldest of eleven children.

Donna was raised on the family farm in Chippewa Lake, Michigan, and later spent 25 years living in the Upper Peninsula before settling in Big Rapids. She had a deep love for the outdoors, enjoying fishing and hunting. She was known for her keen shooting skills—always missing the first shot while the deer stood still, but never missing the second when it was running.

A gifted baker and canner, Donna was famous for her homemade cookies, which she generously shared with everyone around her. She found joy in feeding family and friends, always ensuring no one left her home hungry. She spent the last two years at The Brook of Big Rapids, where her warmth and kindness continued to touch many lives.

Donna is survived by her children, Pam (Jack) Baumunk, Patrick (Carol) Whiteside, Jim (Brenda) Harris, Ernie (Delia) Whiteside, and Darwin Whiteside; her siblings, Don (Maxine) Maxon, LaVern (Sue) Maxon, Carol Lintemuth, Theresa VanVels, and Claudia Miller; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald; her parents; her son, David Whiteside; her sisters, Judy and Joyce; and her brother, Bruce.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Fellowship Christian Reformed Church of Big Rapids. The family warmly welcomes all of Donna's family and friends to gather, and share memories of Donna.

Memorial donations may be made in Donna's name to Hospice of Michigan.

To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, please visit, www.daggettfuneral.com