Rev. Dr. Donna Andes, 92, of Thomas, WV, went to be with her Heavenly Father on January 13, 2023. Born on October 29, 1930, in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, she was the daughter to the late George and Marie (Schmitt) Mehrwerth.
Donna graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, Minnesota in 1948. That fall she entered the Franciscan Sisters Convent at Little Falls, Minnesota. She graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
After 21 years, Donna left the convent. She married Walter Steron and after a few years of marriage, he graduated to heaven. Knowing marriages can be happy, she prayed for another Christian husband. For 28 years, Donna was married to Clifford Andes, who preceded her to his heavenly home.
Mrs. Andes received her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Theology from Life Christian University in 2001. She authored two books, Know Thy Enemy, and her autobiography entitled, I Would Do It All Again. She became a missionary to Africa and traveled there 16 times as well as to Cuba once. She began her missionary trips at the age of 73.
Donna helped families get out of debt and become financially independent as a Representative for Primerica Financial Services. She also became a distributor for Life Vantage, helping people prevent disease and aging.
Donna had a heart for children and wanted to see them raised in the admonition of the
Lord by developing Godly leaders that could impact the world. She obtained her own
501c(3) to start a school which she called Bethel Lighthouse.
Surviving are four step children, Olan Andes, Janielle Embrey, Berle Andes, and Twyman Andes; two sisters, Mary Lou Schwieters of Waite Park, Minnesota and Marjo Keller of Breckenridge, Minnesota.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two older sisters and three older brothers.
Much of the above obituary was written by Donna Andes on January 12, 2022.
Donna loved flowers and plants of any kind. In memory of Donna, friends may wish to order a floral arrangement for someone who needs the encouragement and love that flowers convey.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Davis Fire Hall. Following the service, friends are welcome to stay and share memories. A meal will follow at 4 PM in the fire hall.
The Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home is honored to be caring for Ms. Andes at this time.