Donna Mae Leuthold

With her sons by her side, Donna Mae Leuthold prayed her way into the arms of Jesus on March 26, 2025, where she was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Eddie Bert, after 26 years apart. Her passing marked the end of a life overflowing with faith, love, creativity, and connection—a life that touched countless hearts and left behind a legacy of grace and beauty.

Born on May 10, 1939, in Billings, Montana, Donna was the eldest daughter of Harry and Rose Deines, both of whom along with her sister Rosetta Deines having preceded her in death. She married her high school sweetheart, Eddie Bert Leuthold, on June 9, 1957. Together, they shared 42 years of marriage filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion until Eddie’s passing in 1999. Their love story was one for the ages—a partnership rooted in faith and built on a foundation of mutual respect and joy.

Donna’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A long-time member of Faith Chapel in Billings, she found immense strength and solace in her relationship with Jesus. Her Bible and devotionals, including her favorite ’Jesus Calling’, were never far from her side even in her final days. She carried these with her as a constant reminder of God’s promises and His unwavering love. Whether attending the Faith Chapel Women’s Weekly Prayer Group or watching her favorite televangelists on TV, Donna’s faith was active and vibrant—a beacon of hope for all who knew her.

Her faith wasn’t confined to prayer alone; it radiated through her actions. Donna believed in serving others as an expression of God’s love. One of her greatest joys was knitting baby hats for newborns to be given to the local hospitals—according to Billings Clinic she provided as many as 4,080 tiny creations, each one unique, that brought warmth and comfort to families she would never meet. She cherished the recognition she received at volunteer luncheons hosted by the Billings Clinic but always gave glory to God for the ability to serve.

While faith was at the center of Donna’s heart, family was at the center of her world. She raised two sons, Rick (Cindy) and Jeff (Ingeri), who were her pride and delight. Her six grandchildren—Katie (Matt) Rustici, Lindsay Leuthold, Jessica, Keaton (Taylor), Parker (Krista), and Chloe—and four great-grandchildren—Logan, Ella, Eleanor, and Nora—were the light of her life. Whether sharing stories about their adventures or engaging in playful moments like “hokey” clean-ups or yarn-ball games with the little ones, Donna’s home was always a sanctuary of warmth and love.

Donna’s talents extended far beyond her role as a mother and grandmother. She was a gifted artist whose creativity knew no bounds. From award-winning Tole paintings to intricate pen-and-ink sketches and acrylic masterpieces, Donna left an indelible mark on the Montana art community – the Lady Bugs, Big Sky Dab ‘n Gab, and Growth thru Art. Her work often graced the Montana Fair and brought joy to all who saw it. Later in life, she turned her artistic talents toward quilting, knitting and crochet—crafting beautiful pieces that reflected her love for detail and design. She enjoyed and cherished her friends at Barnes & Noble during their knitting time as the Ruffled Feathers Knitting Group.

Her friendships were as vibrant as her art. Donna cherished every moment spent with her high school friends from Laurel High School—the Round Robin Group—who traveled together for decades to visit each other’s homes. She also loved gathering with her Sewing Club ladies for evenings filled with laughter that often stretched into the early hours of “school nights.” Whether sharing stories or creating together, these friendships were deeply meaningful to Donna.

Through it all—her faith, family, art, and friendships—Donna had a gift for storytelling that brought people together. Her tales about Eddie circling the block to pick her up during their courtship or recounting her boys’ youthful escapades were legendary within the family as well as being shared often with many captive listeners. These stories wove humor, wisdom, and love together into a tapestry that will be treasured for generations.

As we say goodbye to Donna Mae Deines Leuthold, we celebrate a life lived with grace, creativity, faith, and boundless love. She has been reunited with Eddie in Heaven—a joyous reunion—and is now resting in eternal peace. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her: through every painting she created, every hat she knitted for a newborn baby, every story she told so well—and most importantly—in the faith she shared so generously.

The entire Family would like to thank the Billings Clinic for the compassionate care that Mom received throughout her journey of the final days- those days allowed many to become a witness to her faith, embrace her love for them and the “temporary” good-bye, while rejoicing in her joy of reuniting with Eddie and the her Lord. A huge hug of Love and Appreciation to the ICU and ICCU nursing staff, doctors, and support family. A special warm embrace to Dr. Brazil, Mary Hutchinson, Beth Whitworth, and Kimmi Hanners.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Chapel in Billings, Montana on May 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special K Ranch or the Billings Clinic Foundation in Donna’s memory. Cards and letters may be sent to 1400 Poly Drive, Unit 4D, Billings, MT 59102.

Donna’s gentle spirit will remain a guiding light for all who knew her: “Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you” (Psalm 63). We rejoice knowing she is now basking in that eternal love she held so dear.