Donna Riney

Donna Lou Rutledge Riney, 77, of Merkel, Texas was surrounded by family as she went to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. She was born in Merkel to Daniel Tillman "Pete" Rutledge and Sarah Velma Baker Rutledge. Donna grew up in Merkel and attended Merkel schools where she was involved in band and was a twirler. In home economics, she gained a love of sewing, which she used for the rest of her life as she created clothes for herself and family. She graduated from Merkel High School in 1962. While in school, she met David Riney who became her best friend and loving husband. They were married at the Merkel Church of Christ on July 10, 1964 and enjoyed a life together loving and caring for their family. She was a passionate, devoted, and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother "Amu", and friend who will be greatly missed. Donna enjoyed sewing, quilting with her mother, and taking care of her children, nieces, and nephews. She was a lifelong member of the Merkel Church of Christ, where she taught Tuesday-Thursday School. She enjoyed teaching the little ones to love Jesus. Family gatherings were the highlight of her life. She enjoyed planning outings and picnics as well as going for long scenic drives with her loved ones. She shared her love of nature with those around her. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Billie Moore; brothers, Kermit and Errol Rutledge; and brother-in-law, Boyd Moore. Left to cherish her memory are husband, David; daughter, Kelly Riney Campbell; son, Kevin Riney and his wife Marjohn; and granddaughters, Kelci Campbell and Kenli Riney. She also leaves behind sister, Linda Rutledge; sister-in-law, Ann Rutledge; brother-in-law, Jack Riney and wife Gwen, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and loving cousins. Pallbearers will be Pete Rutledge, Jaxon Rutledge, Danny Moore, Shae Garrett, Kane Kellam, and Kaden Kellam. Honorary pallbearers will be Jarred Rutledge, Joel Rutledge, Garin Walters, Todd Walters, Frank Berryman, Bill Thompson and Ricky Minze. Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30PM Monday, May 10, 2021 at Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel. Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at the Merkel Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Donna's family requests that flowers be ordered at Fay's Flowers and Gifts 1025 N. 2nd Street, Merkel, TX 79536, Phone (325) 928-4742 or donations may be made to Merkel Church of Christ Tuesday-Thursday School or Alzheimer's Association, 301 South Pioneer, Suite 105, Abilene, TX 79605.

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