Dona Jean Gilson, age 90, died Sunday, Nov. 10.
Dona was born on Nov. 17, 1933, in Otsego, the daughter of Harold and Pearl (Cole) Miller. She was born at her grandmother’s house during a blizzard. She graduated from Plainwell high school.
In 1951, she married Everett “Gil” Gilson. They were married for 62 years when he preceded her in death on May 17, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert H. Miller.
Dona is best known for owning and operating the Martin Hardware Store from 1968 to 2023. The store was a family affair with most everyone involved.
Dona taught 4-H sewing and classes in porcelain doll making. She dressed and repaired dolls for others. She was a talented seamstress, sewing clothing for ladies and guys alike
She helped with little league baseball and gun safety classes with Gil. She enjoyed her garden and flowers as well.
She also loved her church family. She was a member of Martin Reformed Church since 1953
Surviving are her three children: Mark (Doreen) Gilson, Tanya (Tim) Griffioen and Jodie (Sherri) Gilson; brother Harold “Butch” Miller; eight grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Martin Reformed Church; 1073 W Allegan St, Martin. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at the same location.
Memorials made in Dona’s memory can be made to Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods in Byron Center.
