Donna Lee Givens

Donna Lee Givens, 72, of Bozeman, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2015, at her home. She was born May 9, 1942, in Alhambra, CA, to James Douglas and Lucille (Lacey) Menzies. Donna grew up in California; while in middle school she excelled as a Flag Twirler, in high school as a Song Leader. She married the love of her life, Jim P.Givens on June 3, 1961, in Monterey Park, California. Together they raised two children, Gregg and ShawnDee. They began their lives in Montebello and Covina, CA. Donna had the great fortune to be a stay at home mom for most of her marriage, although she did work for a short time outside the home at Maryvale Catholic Orphanage. Her goals and greatest joys in life were to be a mother, wife, sister, aunt, and grandmother. Her activities centered around her children as they were growing up. She was the team mom when the kids played sports, the one who made cookies for school parties, and the one who carted kids to and from school and practice. She loved holidays and birthdays; she went out of her way to make them special for her family. Even with her first cancer diagnosis in 1986, she never let it control or take over her life; she was able to be there for her family in spite of her illness. When the children were raised, Donna and Jim moved to Bozeman, MT in 1995, finding their slice of paradise up Trail Creek. She loved crafts, sweets (especially cake), the mountains, the wild life (her zoo up trail creek), and dogs. Donna will be remembered for teasing and kidding her friends and family; she had a fantastic sense of humor, and no one escaped her barbs. Donna was also a wonderful hostess, opening her home to everyone, but she will be remembered most for being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband Jim of Bozeman, MT, son Gregg Givens of Riverside, CA; daughter ShawnDee and Carmelo Ruffo of Oceanside, CA; 2 grandchildren Victoria and Kevin Givens of Riverside, CA; sister Nancy and brother-in-law Doug Bradshaw of Gardnerville, NV, and her dog, Maxi. A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Sunset Hills Cemetery. Family and Friends please meet at Dahl Funeral Chapel at 1:45 pm to process together to the cemetery. Memorial may be made in her name to: The American Cancer Society.