Dona B. (Hemphill) Ross

Dona B. Ross, age 91 of Nebraska City, NE passed away on Saturday evening, July 27, 2024 at Immanuel Newport House in Omaha, NE.

Dona was born on March 24, 1933 in Nebraska City, NE; the daughter of Elmer Russell and Effie Mae (Turner) Hemphill.  She grew up and attended school in Nebraska City, graduating from Nebraska City High School with the Class of 1950.  

Dona worked at various jobs over the years.  After high school, she began working for Dr. DeJarnette; a local chiropractor who was very well known across the country for his chiropractic practices.  She would later work as secretary at Northside School, at Morton James Library, OPPD and lastly the Apple Core in Nebraska City.

She was united in marriage to Dwaine A. Ross on May 8, 1955 at the First Christian Church in Nebraska City.  They shared 63 years together before his passing on June 19, 2018.  

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Nebraska City for over 80 years.  She was active in the church both locally and regionally and sang in the choir since high school.  Dona and her family were honored as 1968-1969 Christian Family of the Year.  Dona was active in Jaycees in her early years.  One of her favorite pastimes was Bridge Club.  She was an excellent cook and baker.  She was never afraid to try new recipes.  Dona knitted numerous scarves and hats over the years and enjoyed sharing her talents with those she gave them to.  She was very talented in various kinds of crafting.  Dona and Dwaine shared a love for dancing, from square dancing to polka dancing with the Dance Club.  

Dona is survived by her children:  Kevin Ross of Lincoln, NE and Dawn Varner (Richard) of Omaha, NE; six grandchildren:  Kevin R. Ross, Jeremy Ross, Corey Ross, Amanda Nichols (Connor Korene), Aimee Nichols and Kendall Nichols; five great-grandchildren:  Dominick Ross, Emerson Brandenburg, Hadley Brandenburg, Ava Korene and Liam Korene; brother-in-law Nelson Leaton of Brookfield, MO; nieces and nephews:  Sheryl Berry, Tarra Foster, Scott Leaton and Kyle Leaton; other family and friends.

In addition to her husband, Dona was preceded in death by her sisters:  Arlene Peacock, and Sandra Leaton; and brother-in-law, George, a granddaughter, Kelsie Ross and nephew, Derrick Leaton.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024 at the First Christian Church in Nebraska City with Rev. Michael Schmidt presiding.  Private Family Graveside will be held at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebraska City.

Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church in Nebraska City.

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