Donna Osborne

Following a short illness, Donna Ree Osborne passed away peacefully with her daughter and grandson by her side, on February 17th, 2025.

Donna was born on April 15, 1944, to Dan and Melvina Fish Cummings. After their divorce, Heavenly Father blessed Melvina and Donna's lives by bringing Lloyd Wilkins into it. They married and he adopted Donna a year later. Their lives were spent working on ranches throughout the White Mountains. It was hard work and long days, but Donna was happiest when working hard, especially if it meant she could be riding a horse.

Donna married Clinton "Chip" Hale in 1960, and they had one daughter, LaDawn.

In 1964 she married James Byde Hancock. He was the love of her life, and they were married until his death in 1984. Byde worked as a foreman for Jay Dobson and the Sheep Springs Sheep Company from 1967-1980, and this job meant winters were spent in the valley (Mesa, Chandler and Higley), and summers on a ranch near Greer. This life was idyllic, and Donna loved it.

When Byde retired in 1980, they returned to Taylor. Donna went to work at Al's Western Wear for Opal Cuave and always said that Opal was the best boss she ever had. After the store closed Donna remained close friends with Al & Opal and their children.

Love found Donna again, and in August 1985 she married Jim Osborne. Although they divorced in 1994, they remained the dearest of friends until his passing.

Donna was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in Young Women's, Relief Society and Primary. Teaching a class or speaking in church always made her extremely nervous, but she never refused a calling or assignment. She loved and trusted her savior, Jesus Christ, and had a deep testimony of the Book of Mormon. She was a hard worker, a devoted and loyal friend, and LaDawn feels honored and blessed to be her daughter.

Survivors include daughter, LaDawn Hancock; grandson, Logan (Sara) Sturgeon, and great-granddaughter, Emery Jade Sturgeon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Melvina Wilkins, sister, Carla Wigand; husband, James Byde Hancock; stepson, James Byde Hancock Jr.; grandsons, Johnnie Orlando Baca II and Nicholas Cade Baca; and great-granddaughter, Riley Olivia Baca.

Funeral Services will be held, Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.at the Silver Creek Stake Center, 300 W. Willow Lane, Taylor, Arizona, with a viewing one-hour prior. An additional viewing will be held Sunday, February 23rd from 5:00-7:00pm at Owens Livingston Mortuary, 84 E. 19 S. in Snowflake.

To watch the funeral virtually please click:

https://youtube.com/@schoensward?si=bUp-iNgL2yhxRDwz

Interment will take place at the Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery in Taylor, Arizona.

Although her care from Hospice Compassus was short, the family wishes to express their gratitude for the tender care provided, especially by Ava McNeil and Jennifer Bailey.