Donna Gene Wheelbarger

Donna Gene Wheelbarger, 85, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2024, in her home, where she resided for around 60 years. Donna was born in Wayne, Michigan on January 21, 1939, to Cullen and Mima (Sterling) Fellows. After her family relocated to Bolivar, Missouri, Donna and her 2 brothers attended Bolivar Schools. She graduated from Bolivar High School in 1957. Donna met the love of her life, Bob Wheelbarger, on a stormy day in Bolivar, Missouri. They were married on March 4, 1961. They shared just over 57 years of marriage together before Bob went on to His eternal home in 2019. Donna was a stay-at-home housewife, while her husband worked outside the home as a truck driver. To this union 3 children were born, one daughter; Genie, and twin boys; Jim and Joe. In Donna’s younger years, she loved spending her time making saddles, tooling leather, and working with stained glass. She also loved riding and training horses; a hobby that she enjoyed well into her later years. After her children were born, she enjoyed focusing her time on raising her red headed little girl, and ornery twin boys. She also enjoyed her regular housewife duties of gardening, sewing, and preparing meals, large and small, for her family. Her homemade rolls, fried chicken, and chocolate sheet cake are sure to be missed. All while balancing the activities of life, she remained a faithful member of the Assemblies of God churches she attended. She acted as the treasurer and was involved in Women’s’ Ministry for many years. Her loving and giving personality will surely be missed by all! Donna is preceded in death by her parents; Cullen and Mima (Sterling) Fellows, the love of her life; Charles (Bob) Wheelbarger, one daughter; Bobbi (Genie) Jones, two grandsons; Tyler Jones, and Marshall Wheelbarger, and two brothers; Jack Fellows and Jim Fellows. She is survived by her two sons; Jim Wheelbarger and wife Holly of Bolivar, Joe Wheelbarger and wife Glena of Lee’s Summit, as well as 9 grandchildren; Robbie Flathers and wife Deanna of Springfield, TN, Cullen Flathers and wife Elizabetha of Lawson, MO, Zacheri Wheelbarger and wife Emily of Bolivar, MO, Cameron Wheelbarger and wife Morgan of Lee’s Summit, MO, Tyler Carnahan of Baltimore, MD, Makalyn Swartzentruber and husband Clayton of Buffalo, MO, Kenton Carnahan of Springfield, MO, Cody Wheelbarger of Lee’s Summit, MO, Owen Wheelbarger of Lee’s Summit, MO, as well as 15 great-grandchildren and one on the way. She is also survived by a sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly. Although we weep, we grieve not as those who have no hope. We look forward to a glad reunion in Heaven with our dear mother, grandmother, and friend. A memorial service for Donna will be held at 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2024, before the memorial service at the funeral home.

Donna Gene Wheelbarger

January 21, 1939 - February 1, 2024