Donnis Raye Plumb

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Donnis Raye Plumb, who gently departed this world on June 3, 2026, at the age of 87. Donnis slipped away peacefully in her sleep, after showing immense strength and grace during various health challenges and battling stage 5 kidney disease. Born on August 15, 1938, in the quiet farming town of Darbun, Mississippi, Donnis was the youngest of seven children born to Wilford Woodruff Ball and Mamie Mae Hobbs. Her formative years were spent in an affectionate household shared with her brothers and sisters: Edward, David, Dwight, Charles, Edith, and Ina Faye. It was within this close family circle that Donnis first learned the values of devotion and care that she would carry with her throughout her entire life. Donnis’ journey with Arizona began when she was just six months old. Though her family moved between Arizona and Mississippi multiple times during her childhood, Arizona is where she chose to build her life. Independent from the start, Donnis bought her first car at age 16, entirely financed by her own hard work at the Marquee Drive-Inn. That early knack for budgeting evolved into a lifelong passion for finding the best deals—a trait that turned Saturday morning yard sales into a favorite weekly tradition with her husband, Vern. After marrying in Las Vegas, Donnis and Vern were later sealed in the Mesa LDS Temple. In the early years of their marriage, Vern’s business kept him on the road all week, leaving Donnis to navigate the demands of raising six children on her own while working the night shift at Motorola. She handled it all with grace and grit. No matter how busy life became, Donnis always prioritized family time, finding immense joy in classic Arizona camping trips and motorcycle rides with Vern. Above all else, her unwavering devotion to her family defined the wonderful woman she was. Donnis was predeceased by her beloved parents and siblings, as well as her dear husband, Vern Earl Plumb, who was undoubtedly waiting to greet her with open arms in the next life. Their love story, marked by unwavering commitment and mutual respect, continues to inspire those of us who remain. Donnis' legacy lives on through the lives of her children and their spouses: Carl and Sharon Plumb, Cheryl Kight, Steve and Leslie Vogt, Luis and Pamela Samaniego, Charles Plumb and Gina Martino, Vern Rodney and Shelley Plumb. Her numerous grandchildren (22) and great grandchildren (31) —were the light of her life, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments, always encouraging them to pursue their dreams with passion and integrity. Throughout her life, Donnis was known for her kindness, her gentle spirit, and her unwavering faith. As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she found comfort and strength in her faith, and she dedicated countless hours to serving her community and those in need. Throughout her life, she dedicated countless hours to her faith, leading with love and grace in various callings, including serving as a Young Women’s Stake President, as well as a ward Young Women’s President and Relief Society President. Her generosity and compassion were felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A celebration of Donnis' life will be held on June 12, 2026. A viewing will be at 9:30 AM followed by funeral services at 10:30 AM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located at 618 South Signal Butte Road, Mesa, AZ 85207. Friends and family are invited to gather together to honor Donnis' life, share memories, and find solace in the enduring impact she has had on all of us. For those who cannot attend in person, please use the following Zoom link to watch the memorial: https://zoom.us/j/95641394033?pwd=VHM0UDlCWkg1ekFGZUZRWkVJMGZOUT09 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Donnis' memory to a charity of your choice, reflecting her spirit of giving and her commitment to helping others. Though we grieve the loss of Donnis, we also celebrate a life well-lived, one that touched so many hearts and left a lasting imprint on this world. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire us all.