Donna Mae Murra, age 62, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2009 at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Goodyear, AZ after nine and a half years of fighting colon cancer. Visitation will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at Miller Funeral Home on 13th and Main downtown Sioux Falls, SD. The funeral for Donna will be held at St. Johns American Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD at 11am on Friday, August 14th, 2009.

Donna is survived by her parents, John and Evelyn Monson, her four children, Arlana (Andrew) Spillum, Alan, April (Stephen) Crockett, and Aaron (Melanie), as well as her four grandchildren.

She grew up on a farm near Centerville, SD with her parents and two brothers Kendall and Vernon. She attended country school at Mt. Zion for 8 years prior to graduating high school in Centerville. Donna worked as an LPN and a pharmacy technician for many years. She married Vern Murra (1969-1994) and raised her four children. She worked part time at Augustana in the bookstore which spurred the decision for her to go back to school. Donna graduated Augustana College in 1998 with a double major in Nursing and Art.

Donna worked for many years as an RN at McKennan Hospital before becoming a travel nurse and helping people all over the country. Donna made an impact on peoples lives through her artwork, patient care, natural ability to inspire, and conversation. She was not afraid to engage anyone in conversation and she had the ability to make strangers feel as though she was a long time friend. She stood for things she believed in and gave what she could to help those causes.

In 2000 Donna was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer which already metastasized to her liver. Her will and determination allowed her to give the disease a run for the money. Of those diagnosed with her type of cancer, 5% live beyond five years. She lived almost ten. She gave herself to her family, the people she inspired, and the people she healed. It was easy to see the dedication, strength, wisdom, and love that she shared with everyone she met.

Donnas life was filled with many friends and loved ones. It was kind words and inspirations from her friends and family which helped her hold on and gave her some of the most precious memories we will never forget. Her life was filled with unforgettable events and happy, joyful life.