Dona Marie Roush

A Celebration of Life for Dona Roush will occur Wednesday, May 5, 2021 from 2-5 pm. Memory sharing will begin at 3:00. Event will be held at Prairie Sky Venue (Old Bethlehem Church), 1120 State HWY 50 (4-J Road). Dona Maria (Brandenburg) Roush was born in Lance Creek, Wyoming, on September 3, 1937. She was the 5^th of 6 children born to Orville and Cynthia (Mosby) Brandenburg. The family followed oilfield employment throughout the Western states and settled in Newcastle, WY where Dona attended high school. She married Earl James Pellant and their daughter; Piney Lee was born July 11, 1955. Dona divorced and attended Beauty School in Sheridan, WY. She then worked in Gillette as a beautician until her marriage to Robert Ray Roush on April 24, 1959 in Billings, MT. They moved to Newcastle, WY and a son, Darell Robert was born May 6, 1960. In the Spring of 1961, the family moved back to Savageton, WY to work on the Innes Ranch. Russel Allen was born on August 18, 1961. The family moved back to the Roush Ranch in 1966 to raise their children on the family homestead and start a cattle operation. As her children grew, Dona loved being a 4-H leader and was a chaperone for many 4-H trips. She was a longtime active member of Savageton Homebuilders Club and Pine Tree Club, enjoying the friendships she developed throughout the community. Dona was a school bus driver for 4-J and Wright Schools, was an activities bus driver and delighted in many years of transporting community children. In her later years, she enjoyed traveling with the First National Bank Horizon Club members and had a reputation of being a mischievous travel companion. Dona was an excellent cook and prepared large meals for family, neighbors and friends during seasonal ranch work and holidays. Local veterinarians remarked that they enjoyed working at the ranch as they knew a good meal would follow. Dona particularly enjoyed her role as a Grandmother and made sure she stocked each Grandkids favorite treats. She also provided selfless care for her parents and siblings throughout and at the end of their lives. Dona passed away April 22, 2021 in Gillette, WY after a lengthy battle with COPD. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Robert; daughter, Piney Miles of Moorcroft, WY; son Darell (Kris) Roush of Recluse, WY; and Rusty (Laura) Roush of Savageton, WY; 4 Grandchildren; 9 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild. Dona was proceeded in death by her parents, Orville Allen and Cynthia A. Brandenburg, and siblings: Helen Louella Bass; Thelma Verline Tate; Betty Lee Cunningham; James Richard Brandenburg and Allen Mayo Brandenburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be submitted to Dona’s favorite benefactor, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or a charity of personal choice. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5^th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com