Donna Jean Wilkins (Buffalo)

Donna Jean Wilkins, age 92, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Colonial Springs Healthcare Facility. She was born on August 3, 1932, in Pontiac, Michigan to Waren and Marie (Sauders) Porter. The family moved to Los Angeles, California when Donna was 15 years old. She graduated from high school in Los Angeles in 1950.

She married Ralph Hull in 1950. Two children were born to this union: Diane and Bill. In 1968, she married George Wilkins. In 1976, they owned and operated The Hungry Bear Restaurant in Buffalo, Missouri. They returned to California for several years, but Donna and her mother moved back to Buffalo in 1982. Donna had various jobs including working at Ozark Woods and the Victorian Steak House. She also cleaned houses and was a custodian at the Buffalo United Methodist Church. She attended faithfully as her health permitted. She was a resident of Pine Lodge Residential Care.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, brother Robert Porter, sister Joan Betts, daughter Diane Coon, and great-grandson Brandon Berlin.

She is survived by her son Bill Hull and wife Candy of California, son-in-law Gary Coon of Springfield, grandchildren; Katrina “Tina” Dougall, Benhamin Coon, and Casey Todd, several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, step-nephew Richard and wife Carol Davidson of Georgia and her caregiver Carla Deckard.

Special thanks to the staff at Colonial Springs Healthcare Facility and to Chelsey, Crystal, and the staff at Pine Lodge Residential Care.

There are no formal services scheduled at this time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo, Missouri.

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