Donna Wilkes

Donna Lee Wilkes, also known as Grandma Donna or Gigi to her grandchildren and great-granddaughter, passed away on December 21, 2023, at the age of 75 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was born on April 29, 1948, in Kandiyohi, Minnesota to her mother, Ruby M. Camery (Thomas, Sawin), and George Wilson Sawin

Donna was a woman ahead of her times, choosing to live life on her own terms. She was a free spirit who loved her family and fur-babies. She honored and practiced Native American spiritual beliefs.  Donna had a passion for art and expressed her creativity through various mediums. She enjoyed thrifting, up-cycling furniture, sewing, and was known for her amazing cooking skills.

Donna will be profoundly missed by her daughter, Naomi M. Kumar (Ankit Kumar), and her grandsons Nicholas Mangan (Chelsea Siegfried), Skye Mangan (Jordan Wilson), Caelan Mangan (Eric Crocker), and great-granddaughter Elouise-Rose Mangan. She was also eagerly awaiting the arrival of her great-granddaughter, Ruby Joy Mangan, who will be joining the family very soon. Donna is survived by her mother, Ruby M. Camery, and stepmother Helen M Sawin.

Donna was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Joy Cheri Nadine Sawin, her father, George W. Sawin, her brothers Gary W. Sawin, David M. Sawin, her sister Jo Anne Sawin, and her stepfather Melvin Camery.