Donna Jannene Christian

Donna Jannene (Heaton) Christian, daughter of Porter Paul Heaton and Mary Violet (Sawtell) Heaton was born April 9, 1939, at her family home in Newcastle, Nebraska. She attended several country schools in Dixon and Cedar Counties. She graduated from Central High School in Sioux City, Iowa. 

Donna was married to Billy (Chris) Joe Christian on March 10, 1956, in South Dakota.  To this union were born two daughters Jannene Renae and Janet Gayle.  They lived in Iowa, Kansas and Louisiana before settling down in Denver, Colorado. 

Donna’s life changed and she never recovered from losing the love of her life 8 years ago.  She loved her family with all of her heart. 

She retired from Safeway after 20+ years and started her own business a Second Hand Store – Second Time Around. 

Donna passed away on May 5, 2024 after many years of health challenges.

Donna is survived  by her daughters: Jannene Higgins, and Janet (Michael) Peterson; Grandchildren: Renae Higgins (Kelly), Teresa Higgins, Samantha Gardiner (James), Danielle Piernot (Grant), and Andrea Peterson (Caleb); Great-Grandchildren: Isaiah Higgins, Elijah Higgins, James Higgins, Trinh Higgins, Hollis Gardiner, Brixton Gardiner, Devyn Piernot, Gavin Piernot, Camden Piernot and Corbin Piernot.

Donna leaves behind her sister Mildred Dorr, sister-in-law Shirley Heaton and many nieces and nephews. 

Donna is preceded in death by her husband of almost 60 years Billy Joe (Chris) Christian her parents Porter and Violet Heaton, sisters Enid Bagley (Don), Verna Jensen (Otto), Evelyn Litz (Norbert); brothers, Harold (Tina), Duwane (Joye), Gordon (Dorothy), Glen Heaton, son-in-law Steve Higgins, and brother-in-law Dale Dorr.