Donna Carole Archer (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Donna Carole Archer was born January 25, 1943 to Middleton Lamar “Slim” and Ruby Lee Turner Duell. She passed away Monday, August 19, 2024 at her home in Lebanon, Missouri surrounded by her loving family at the age of 81 years, 6 months, and 25 days.
Donna was born and raised in the Lebanon area and graduated from Lebanon High School with the class of 1961. The summer before her senior year, Donna was introduced to her forever sweetheart, Richard Archer in a chance meeting while both were cruising with friends down Commercial Street. Their love blossomed and they were married on November 24, 1962 sharing over sixty one years together. Donna started working at 15 years old at the soda fountain at Medley Drug Store, and then began a long career at United Telephone Company retiring after twenty five years as an office supervisor. In addition to her career, she was a gifted bowler. She competed in many tournaments bringing home numerous trophies.
Donna remained very dedicated in taking care of her home and family. She was overjoyed when she became a grandma but she was much more than a grandma. She would cater to each child’s personality and loved them unconditionally. From playing baseball in the backyard, building cardboard fences in the living room for their farms, playing video games and making waterslides in the backyard. She would help them “try” to create any activity their imagination could come up with. As her grandkids grew she would attend any events they had, no matter where they took her. She traveled all across the country for baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, and band events. It would take all day to list all the activities she did to make her grandkids feel special. As her grandkids would say “she was the best”.
Through her life, Donna proved that her family was central. She loved traveling, camping, fishing, and cooking with her family, and was well known for her pie making, especially around the holidays. She was also very well-known for her abilities in the garden, planting and cultivating beautiful flowers.
She professed her faith in Christ early in life and was a longtime active member of Southern Heights Christian Church
She is survived by husband; Richard Archer of the home, her daughter; Deborah Alwardt and her husband Michael of Lebanon, Missouri, her son; David Archer and his wife Paula of Lebanon, Missouri, her grandchildren, Phillip Archer and his wife, Bailey, Joshua Archer and his wife Ashton, Isaac Archer, Thomas Alwardt and his wife Kylie, Caleb Alwardt, and Faith Link and her husband, Aaron; her great grandchildren, Blakeley Archer, Blair Archer, Oakley Alwardt, Amelia Alwardt; and a brother; Richard Duell of Milford, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her parents; Middleton Lamar and Ruby Lee Duell.
Donna lived a life of blessing as a loving wife, devoted mother, grandma, and GiGi and will be fondly missed by the many she touched.
A memorial has been established for the Show Me Children's Home and contributions may be left at the funeral home.
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