Donna Buckner (Ellison) passed quietly in her home with loved ones by her side on August 29, 2026, at the age of 89, after a long illness.  She was born July 28, 1937, to Ray and Ethel Ellison.  She attended Pleasant Hope School where she met the love of her life.  Donna was united in marriage to Carl Robert Buckner May 6, 1955.  They were married for 66 years until his passing in 2021.  Early in the marriage Donna worked at Commerce Bank in Springfield and was a homemaker.  After moving to Fair Grove, she had a store, Donna’s Place in Fair Grove, where all the grandchildren learned to make change when they helped her.

Donna was a wonderful mom, grandma, and great grandma.  From the time the grandchildren were able, she helped them bake cookies at Christmas time, that tradition has been passed down now and the great-grandchildren bake cookies too.  She is also known in the neighborhood as the yard that has decorations for all the holidays.  That tradition will continue.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, mother and father-in law, infant sister Norma Jean, brother Larry and sister Linda.  She is survived by daughter Debbie Clopton, son Tom (Linda)Buckner, Grandchildren:  Jeremy (Katie) Clopton, Brian (Courtney) Clopton, Jessica (Lee) Anderson, Zachary (Melissa) Buckner, Kristen Hoenshell, Stephanie (Casey) Owen, Great-Grandchildren:  Peyton, Kramer, Paxon, Preston, Desmond, Milo, Drax, Raylan, Lane, Walter.  Brother Al (Pat) Ellison, Sister-in-law Martha (Clark) Hale, sister-in-law Merrilyn Ellison, several nieces and nephews as well as other family and friends.  We would like to extend a special thank you to everyone at Hospice Compassus.

There is no planned visitation.  Family and Friends may pay their respects at Greenlawn North on August 31, 2026 from 5-9pm

The family will hold a private graveside service and burial.