Donna Pederson, 70, of Ray, passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Tioga Medical Center. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral home in Tioga has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Donna Arlene Foss was born September 6, 1946 to Bennie and Evelyn Foss. Donna grew up on the family farm south of Ray and graduated from Ray High School in 1964. After graduation, Donna lived and worked in Williston until she married Don Pederson of Ray, on February 19, 1965 at the Ray Lutheran Church. The couple lived in Rapid City, SD for a short time until Don returned home to work on the family farm north of Ray. After several years of living in town, Don and Donna moved to the family farm in 1995. To this union three children were born, Kristine, JeNell and Jeremy.

While raising her children, Donna worked at various jobs in Ray including the Ray City Auditor’s Office and Farmer’s Union Insurance. In addition to raising her children, one of Donna’s greatest accomplishments was to attend college as an “Older than Average” student. She proudly graduated with honors in May of 1993 with her degree in education. She went on to teach at the Ray Public School until her retirement. She always enjoyed catching up with her former students.

Donna was an avid reader and shared this passion with her children as the house was always full of books. One of Donna’s most amazing talents was the ability to recall various dates, names, and other facts about anyone from the Ray area. She could even recall the weather conditions and what everyone was wearing on specific occasions!

Donna was extremely artistic and creative. She spent countless hours working in her yard. This dedication won her “Yard of the Month” in Ray on several occasions. This dedication also extended to her shopping. During her marathon shopping sprees, she could discover unbelievable bargains. Her children and grandchildren recall helping the store clerks close up for the night on more than one occasion. Her talents also extended into the kitchen. Donna’s grandchildren have spent years trying to perfect her unparalleled pancakes.

In recent years, Don and Donna have enjoyed their many trips together. They especially loved car trips that allowed them to explore off the beaten path. Some of their favorite trips involved travelling to visit their grandchildren and being able to attend their events.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Don, of Ray, daughter Kristi (Brent) Hanson of Williston, daughter JeNell (Morgan) Sibbald of Copley, OH, son Jeremy Pederson and his fiancée Carrie of Ray, grandchildren Mackenzie and Jonah Hanson of Minneapolis, MN, Ryan and William Sibbald of Copley, OH, Aidan and Ella Pederson of Minot, brother David (Diana) Foss of Minot, sister-in-law Marlene Foss of Ray and sister-in-law Susan Pederson of Williston, three aunts, an uncle and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Bennie and Evelyn Foss, brothers Arden and Ronald, and her father and mother in-law, Lloyd and Margaret Pederson.