Donna Lee Miller

Donna Lee Miller (Whalley) went to her eternal home on May 14, 2025, at the age of 66, surrounded by her daughters, Kelly, Stephanie and Elizabeth, and best friend, Brian.

Donna was born to Leo Whalley and Mary Sanders (Whalley/Pearcy) on February 2, 1959. She enjoyed being a Groundhog Day baby. In her childhood, she lived with her parents in both Denver, CO and Arizona and then with her grandparents in Colorado Springs, CO.

Donna married Euguene Miller on August 14, 1981. Her and Euguene have three daughters who became the light of her life. Later, she thoroughly enjoyed her two grandsons, KJ and Karson and spent the last 10 years being the best GRANDMA who spoiled her favorite little boys.

Donna was a long-time Colorado Springs Westside resident attending West Middle School and graduating from Coronado in 1977. She worked briefly at the Mecca Motel and Senor Manuel’s before starting her career at Shepard McGraw Hill. She spent 20 years working at Shephard’s and made very lasting and impactful friendships. After Shephard’s, she worked for short periods at the Colorado Grand Lodge, Peyton School District and a local liquor store. She also worked at California Casualty which led to a second career in insurance. She later worked at CSAA in the Claims department in Colorado Springs and elected to move to Oklahoma City, OK with greater opportunities. During her time at CSAA, she also traveled on assignment to Walnut Creek, CA for an important business transformation. On these assignments, she had an opportunity to vacation in the Bay Area with each of her daughters individually and created some special memories. She enjoyed her independence during these years away, but promptly moved back to Colorado Springs, when she learned she was becoming a grandmother. After COVID, Donna retired so she could relax and travel. She learned of her breast cancer diagnosis in 2022, which inspired her to prioritize trips with family and friends, making unique memories including over 16 out of state trips in three years.

Donna had a very special relationship with Brian Atencio, her best friend. The Atencio Family fully incorporated her into their family functions. She enjoyed this adopted family and the fun gift exchanges at Christmas.

Donna volunteered for Girls Scouts and helped her girls sell cookies, she was a very persuasive person. She also worked with Junior Achievement and loved presenting business concepts in the classroom. She was a majority Rainbow Girl and as an adult was involved as a Rainbow Mom, Advisory Board member and Mother Advisor. Her time volunteering left an impact on the membership of young ladies, many of them still consider Donna their second mom. Donna was also a 25 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Donna enjoyed cruises, gambling, bingo, reading, watching movies, and crocheting. She often used yarn scraps and assembled blankets to give to homeless people on cold evenings, always keeping one in the trunk of car for someone in need. Her focus was loving and supporting her daughters and grandsons. She especially loved trips to Disney parks with her grandsons.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, mother, father, stepfather, and brother. She found peace in being reunited with her cherished loved ones in her eternal home.

She is survived by her daughters, Kelly Baines (Kenny), Stephanie Adams (Blake) and Elizabeth Taylor (Michael), grandsons KJ and Karson, Aunt Ruth Reed (Cletis), her brothers Robert Whalley (Jackie) and Richard Palumbo (Susan), and ex-husband Eugene Miller. Donna is also survived by many cousins, numerous friends and grand pups. Since Donna’s passing, the family has noticed several beautiful butterflies which they believe are signs from Donna letting us all know she is at peace and sends her love.

Services for Donna Miller will be held on June 8th, 2025, at the Colorado Springs Masonic Center at 1:00 PM. To ensure adequate food, please RSVP via Facebook event or emailing [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a random act of kindness to honor the spirit of Donna.