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Donna Menning, whose devotion to her family was powerful, boundless and enduring, died on Octo. 27 after a long illness. She was 80.
The fourth of seven children, Donna was born Nov. 22, 1941, in Lovell, Wyoming, to Ben and Katherine Spomer. As a child, she developed her lifelong love for the outdoors while growing up on the family farm with her brothers and sisters. She met her future husband, Lloyd Lamb, at Powell High School, and upon graduation they embarked on distant adventures as his employment took them to California and then Alaska.
In due time they happily returned to Wyoming, where their four sons, Lynn, Larry, Lyle and Lance were raised. Donna’s strong work ethic was obvious in these early years, evident in her presence alongside Lloyd on their farm and their other business ventures. After their marriage ended, she became even greater in the eyes of her sons, a caring force of nature who demonstrated through her own determination that any goal was achievable.
Donna’s later marriage to Clem Menning brought his children, three sons and a daughter, into an ever-expanding family that also included many grandchildren and great grandchildren, each of whom was welcomed and adored. She and Clem embraced an active life together, including events at the American Legion, fishing trips to Canada, a much-enjoyed return for Donna to Alaska, and always, always, visits with their children.
In semi-retirement, Donna found great satisfaction in a position with the local fabric shop, Cut and Sew. Her talent with sewing and quilting was long celebrated, and over the years each of her grandchildren received a treasured quilt tailored to their own personalities. In the shop, Donna was in her element, able to share her passion and gracious smile with others in the community.
A vibrant presence, whose great sense of fun and deep well of affection will continue to be celebrated by her sons, nieces and nephews, and all who spent time with her, Donna was the true heart of her family. As a longtime member of Hope Lutheran Church, her loved ones now take solace in the knowledge that she is safely at home with the Lord.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Katherine; sister Carma Simon, brother Daniel Spomer, and husband Clem Menning. She is survived by her brothers John (Diane) Spomer, Carl (Judi) Spomer, and Dale (Joy) Spomer all of Powell, Wyoming; her sister Brenda Spomer of Laramie, Wyoming; sons Lynn (Jenya) Lamb of Meeteetse, Wyoming, Larry (Carol) Lamb of Riverton, Wyoming, Lyle (Theresa) Lamb of Powell and Lance (Shawna) Lamb of Belgrade, Montana; stepchildren Jerry Menning of Powell, and Phil Menning, Sue Turbin and Rick Menning, all of Wisconsin. Donna also leaves 18 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 18 at the Hope Lutheran Church in Powell, Wyoming. The burial will be directly after at Crown Hill Cemetery. The family requests everyone who loved Donna to gather at the American Legion in Powell, after 4 p.m. to reminisce.
