Donna (Small) Dahlby

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Donna Marie (Small) Dahlby on Dec. 8, 2024, at the home of her long-time friend and caretaker in Billings, Montana where she had resided for the past several years.
Donna Marie was born Feb. 9, 1941, the oldest child of Raymond and Helen (Norvet) Small. Donna attended St. Charles Elementary School, St. Charles Catholic School and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1959. She pursued her love of nursing, graduating from Glenwood School of Nursing in Golden Valley, Minnesota as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Donna worked at several nursing homes and as an in-home nurse prior to moving to Iowa where she worked at the Winnebago County Home. During that time, she met the lover of her life, Richard Dahlby. They married on Dec. 28, 1968, and farmed in Northwood and Lake Mills, Iowa. They enjoyed many activities together, including traveling and entertaining friends and families. After selling their Iowa farm, they moved to Arizona where Donna continued to work as a nurse. They later divorced, and Donna moved back to Minnesota to work as an in-home nurse for clients in Rochester before joining her sister, Maggie, in Montana.
In Montana, Donna worked at a nursing home until she retired. She then moved to Maggie’s ranch, where she enjoyed helping Maggie with the sheep, chicken and gardens until her health began to fail. Donna moved to Billings to live with her friend and caretaker, residing there until her passing.
Donna is survived by her sister, Maggie, brother Larry (Joanne), Donald, sister-in-law Linda and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her brother, Robert, and her infant brother, James.
Donna loved life, people and was always ready to join in anything. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her...until we meet again.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be held June 14 at Maggie’s ranch, where Donna’s final resting area will be.