Donna Mae Vetter Shipley

On Thursday, April 2, 2026, Donna Mae Vetter Shipley ran into the sweet embrace of her beloved Lord Jesus. Her life on earth was lived for this moment.

Waiting for her by the red rosebush, as he told her he would, was her husband Jim. A joyful reunion to be sure! Also ready to greet her were her parents Kenneth and Anna Vetter, her older brothers George and Paul, along with all her other cherished family and friends who arrived in heaven before her.

Donna Mae was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska on June 28, 1939. The adored youngest child, she spent her early years in Nebraska living in several locations. During her early teens the family made a move to Mountain Home, Idaho. It was there that Donna’s Grandma Rhoades showed a picture of her three granddaughters to a young army man, Jim Shipley. He immediately pointed to the youngest one in the middle (Donna) and stated, “I choose her!”. With Grandma’s cries of “she’s just a baby!” ringing out, he managed an introduction thru Donna’s Aunt Dorothy. Thus began a letter writing courtship as he had to return to the army base in North Carolina.

Distance can not stop young true love! Especially if a father is distracted by his phone call and answers “oh sure” when adorable Donna Mae interrupts him to ask, “Can Jim and I get married?”. Jim hitch-hiked across the country to claim his young bride. They married October 6, 1955, beginning a loving and lasting union that filled 67 years with the joys of living life together for Jesus.

After a short honeymoon, Jim returned to North Carolina and Donna prepared to move there. She traveled alone across the country- first by bus and then on her first airplane. Several young men on the plane offered to help her once they landed, but she quickly informed them, “my HUSBAND is meeting me!”. He was right there waiting – her own handsome groom! Quickly gathering her things they headed to their first home, a little trailer house. As they drove, Jim asked, “can I kiss you?”. To which Donna replied, “of course, we are married!”. He pulled the car over and shut off the engine then kissed his wife! However, the car would not start again. There they were, newlyweds stranded on the roadside! As they worked on figuring out what to do, along came another car. One filled with all the young men who wanted to help her, thankfully this time they did, fixing the car so Jim could take Donna to her new home.

In 1957, Jim left the army. They packed up their little trailer house and began the long pull across the country, camping their way home to Idaho. Donna always joked that they were the original Lucy and Desi in the long, long trailer. Arriving in Idaho, they parked their home at Brownlee Dam where Jim began work. While living there, they added daughter Diane and a few years later – after moving to Boise their family grew by one more, Daniel. Donna loved being home with her children, adding more littles to the mix by babysitting.

As a family, they enjoyed times camping and fishing. But, oh boy, look out if mom’s fish got off the hook! When Diane and Daniel entered school, Donna went to school too – working in the kitchen of Jackson Elementary. In 1974 Jim opened his own business and for many years Donna was his bookkeeper and prayer warrior, covering the lean times!

In all these years she faithfully walked with the Lord, and together with Jim raised their children to love and serve Him too. They have many family memories of their times together in church. These still evoke smiles and laughter….

• At an evening meeting a Jericho march began, after once around the sanctuary, Donna decided as they passed the door, her family would march right out!

• Another time the Lord touched Donna so deeply that she cried and shook so hard every bobby pin in her beautiful, coifed hair flew right out!

In the late 80’s, Donna headed up Women’s Ministries at Meridian Assembly of God, holding many fun events and organizing amazing bazaars that raised many funds for missions.

As Donna and Jim entered the golden retirement years, they became snowbirds, spending time camping in the Arizona desert with Jim’s brothers. Always returning with treasures in hand and many hugs for their growing inheritance of family. Donna’s love for children grew exponentially as five grandchildren were added, then fifteen great grandchildren, followed by four great-great grands! Each one so very special to her heart!

In October of 2023, Donna became a resident of Swan Falls Assisted Living Memory Care Unit. She loved her caretakers and they loved her! Even though her earthly memories faded, her love of Jesus never did. The chaplain at Swan Falls shared that he loved coming to visit Donna. To her the whole facility was a church and she was always doing ministry there. Even in her last days, as those gathered around her bed sang, she would raise her hand in worship to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her heart was always that those around her (family, friends, strangers, or caregivers) know and love Him too!

We that remain will carry on your heart…. Diane, Dan, Anita, Ryan, Becky, Cassie, Beau, Elizabeth, and all the generations….

Well done Mom. Good and faithful servant

Psalms 46:10

Be still and know that I am God

I will be exalted among the nations

I will be exalted in the Earth