On Friday, May 31, Donna Faye Porter, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend left this world at the age of 85 after a long and fierce battle with Alzheimer's.

Donna was born on October 1, 1938 in Hurley, MO to Tom and Clara Leath. Donna spent her childhood and early adult hood in Hurley before leaving to experience New Jersey with friends.

She returned to Springfield, MO and started her life there. In 1960, she married Leo Porter Jr. They were married 21 years before they divorced. She worked at Dayco, Lily Tulip and retired from General Electric after 28 years. During her time with GE, she made several lifelong friends including many in Springfield, but others literally spanning the globe. She was also a longtime member of Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church.

During her life, Donna made an impact on so many. She had an unmatched zest for life, an adventurous spirit, and a deep love for the world around here. From her sense of humor, to her curiosity, to her elegance, she had an undeniable effervescence that was felt by everyone who had the privilege to know her.

As signs of Alzheimer's progressed over the last 12 years, it never took her smile or her love of things including her family, westerns, Elvis and sweet treats. Even through her sickness, she had a remarkable ability to connect with people and share the same spirit so many had come to love about her.

Donna is survived by daughter Shelia and Pat Leonard (Springfield, MO), son Jeff and Anita Porter (Ozark, MO), grandchildren Megan and Ryan Forrester (Minneapolis, MO), Morgan and John Reinart (Springfield, MO), Zachary and Sarah Porter (Kansas City, MO), Sarah Porter (Springfield, MO) and Andrew Porter (St. Louis, MO) and countless nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by ex-husband Leo Porter, Jr. (Rogersville, MO) her siblings Mildred Conrad (Hurley, MO), Gladys Jennings (Hurley, MO), Alice Wright (Clever, MO) and Johnny Clay "JC" Leath (Hurley, MO) and grandson Madison Price (Springfield, MO).

A memorial and celebration of Donna's life will be held on July 25, 6-8 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home at 1947 E Seminole St, Springfield, MO 65804. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Oaks Cottages at 5448 N 2nd Ave, Ozark, MO 65721.