Funeral services for Donna L. Baley, age 71, of rural Glenville, will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle. The Rev. Jeff Wallager will officiate. Interment will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1,

at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Donna passed away Nov. 26, 2004, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa, after a long hard battle with cancer.

Donna Lou Baley was born on Jan. 9, 1933, the oldest of five girls, to Albert and Nellie Corson, in Austin. She grew up and went to school in Austin. Donna married Robert Baley on June 5, 1951, and they have lived in the Myrtle area ever since. They farmed together until 1977. Donna was always busy milking cows and helping with other chores. She also worked for a while at Land O’Lakes. She and Robert worked as caretakers of cemeteries, and also raised vegetable and flower gardens. They sold their produce at many different farmers markets over the years.

She had five children: Diane of Mankato, Bob of Myrtle, Carol of Albert Lea, and Jim of Myrtle. Jim and her grandson, Chad, lived with Donna.

Donna loved to have lots of flowers around and having friends and family over for coffee and visits. She enjoyed life to the fullest, especially her family, friends, her church, and being at home. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Myrtle. Donna was also a member of Zare Svobody 38 Lodge of Austin for over 50 years. She received her 50 year pin in 2002.

Survivors include her husband, Robert; her children and grandson; four sisters: Bev Lady of Austin, Darlene and her husband Melvin Miller of Austin, Pat and her husband Roger Olson of Austin, and Wilma and her husband Bill Jones of Huntington Beach, Calif.; sister-in-law, Georgia Oxley of Austin; brother-in-law, Archie and his wife Millie Baley of Austin; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives and many friends. She is also survived by her special friend Linda Bighley who often sat with Robert at Donna’s bedside.

Donna was preceded in death by one son, her parents, her mother-in-law, father-in-law, and many other relatives.

Blessed be her memory.