Donna Mae Riding Waldron

Donna Mae (Riding) Waldron, 90, graduated peacefully from this life on March 24, 2025, with loving family members near her side.

Donna Mae was born January 4th, 1935 to Maude Mae Coon and Thomas Grant Riding.

She was an only child until God shook her world and sent a little brother, Ken, eleven years later. She was born and raised in Tooele Utah, where she enjoyed all 12 years of school. She met Arliss Wayne Leonardson at BYU Provo and they were married in 1956, in the Salt Lake Temple. Eight good-lookin’ children joined this union; Diana Kirkham of Blackfoot, ID, Jacqueline (Pat) Kennedy of Mission Viejo, CA, Alane (Lamont) McMurtrey of Berthoud, CO, Charles (Debbie) Leonardson of Blackfoot, Russ Leonardson of Myton,UT, Douglas (Melissa) Leonardson (deceased), Matt Leonardson (deceased) and Andrea (Alan) Atkinson of Preston, ID. Having a large family required Donna to work outside of the home and she had a varied and colorful employment history. Donna and Art divorced in 1987.

Donna was blessed with wonderful friends that helped her as a single mom. She and these friends put a cute ad in the newspaper, which caught the eye of a ruggedly handsome man, Rex Waldron. Donna and Rex were married in the Idaho Falls Temple in July 1989, and sealed in the Ogden temple on July 27, 1990. A blended family of 14 total children was then created. Added children were Celia (John) Warburton, Lana Waldron, Trudy Waldron, Vicky (Charles) Campbell, Layne (Jana) Waldron, and Jed (Pam) Waldron. This blended family brought scores of grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were adored and loved so much. Donna and Rex served an LDS mission in North Carolina from 2005-2007 and also served at the Conference Center at Temple Square for several years.

Donna loved to bake, quilt, make crafts, watch Jeopardy, and dance. In her younger years, she was accomplished on the accordion. She tried her best to make each grandbaby a blanket and to remember everyone’s birthdays. She was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, where she held many callings. She loved being a visiting teacher/minister.

About ten years ago, Donna began having difficulties with everyday tasks. After numerous doctor visits she was diagnosed with Alzheimers. Rex lovingly cared for her for a few years until his own health struggles no longer made that possible and Donna moved into the Heritage Assisted Living center in Preston, allowing her to be close to her youngest daughter, Andrea. Here she received wonderful care and made new friends. We thank the wonderful caregivers that helped Donna during her time there.

Donna is survived by six of her eight children and her six step-children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Ken, her loving husband, Rex and two sons, Doug and Matt.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Malad Second Ward Chapel, 20 S. 100 W., Malad, Idaho.  There will be a viewing/family visitation Saturday from 2-2:45 p.m. at the church.  Burial will be in the Samaria Cemetery.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com