DONNA L. WHEELER

It is with profound sadness, yet gratitude for a life filled with love, that the family of Donna Lynn Wheeler (nee Elston) of Riverside, Michigan, announces her passing from this life to be with her Lord and Savior on Jan. 31, 2026, at age 64 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. 

A lifelong resident of Riverside, MI, Donna was born on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 1961, in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Donald (deceased) and Annie Elston of Riverside. She grew up with a deep devotion to her family, friends, and church. Donna was known for her artistic ability, warm smile, generous spirit, unwavering strength and her dedication to her family. She graduated from Eau Claire High School and Lake Michigan College and later worked at Meijer in Benton Harbor, MI and Marathon in Riverside, MI where she was respected by colleagues and friends.  She proudly spent the last 24 years caring for her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

She was a devoted wife to her husband, Barry with whom she shared 40 years of marriage. As a mother, Donna was the heart of the home, bringing joy and warmth to her children, Jason (Jenny) Elston of Hartford, MI and Jonathon (Nicole) Wheeler of Goshen, IN.

She cherished her role as “Grandma” to her grandchildren Madisyn, Luke, Olivia, Theodore and Henry and “Aunt” to her many nieces and nephews, never missing a ball game, recital, or birthday. Her legacy of love extended to her role as a great-aunt, passing down stories and laughter to the youngest generation.

Donna was passionate about many things, especially cooking, camping and her faith in God. Her family will fondly remember her artistic creativity. 

In addition to her husband and children and grandchildren, she is survived by her devoted mother Annie Elston, beloved sisters, Pam Nash (Mike), Laura (Mike) Mullins, and Susan (Mike) Sink, brothers, Donald (Sarah) Elston Jr. and James (Kim) Elston, and a large, loving extended family of nine nieces, six nephews, two grand-nieces, three grand-nephews, many cousins and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father Donald Elston Sr.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. with visitation prior from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Midway Baptist Church in Watervliet, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Warner Camp, 60 55th St., Grand Junction, MI 49056 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.