Donna Mae Doles September 2, 1929 – July 16, 2026

Donna Mae Doles, age 96, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026. She was born on September 2, 1929, in Emporia, Kansas, to Marle Mitchel Ballentine and Mamie Alice (Brunkow) Ballentine.

Donna graduated from Emporia Senior High School with the Class of 1947. She continued her education at Emporia State Teachers College and later in life, attended the University of New Mexico, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in University Studies. She believed deeply in the value of education and lifelong learning.

On April 8, 1950, Donna married the love of her life, Albert E. Doles, in Norfolk, Virginia. Together they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage, building a loving home and raising a large family rooted in faith, service, and compassion.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert E. Doles; her father, Merle M. Ballentine; her mother, Mamie A. Ballentine (Brunkow); her stepmother, Marie “Wegner” Ballentine; her twin sister, Dene M. Myers (Ballentine); and her brother, Larry M. Ballentine.

She is survived by her sister, Janice Doxtator of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; her children: David Doles (Glynis) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Cheryl Doles of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Peter Doles (Erin) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Peggy Grubbs (Rick) of Richland Hills, Texas; Tom Doles of Colorado; Robert "Luke" Doles (Dan) of Albany, New York; and Mark Doles (Kelly) of Edgewood, New Mexico. Donna also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

Donna lived a life of creativity, generosity, and service. She enjoyed fishing, sewing, crafting, playing bridge, square dancing, singing in the choir, and supporting her children's involvement in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. She was a faithful member of Community of Joy Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir and volunteered in many church ministries. Over the years, she served her community by helping with the summer park lunch program, supporting Lutheran World Relief, volunteering at the local food bank, and participating in numerous church outreach activities.

Donna will be remembered for her kind heart, quiet strength, unwavering faith, and the love she shared so freely with her family, friends, and community. Her legacy of service, compassion, and devotion to those she loved will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Community of Joy Lutheran Church, 841 Saratoga Drive NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144.

A Graveside Service with interment will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Donna's memory.

Donations can be made to the New Mexico Alzheimer's Association at: https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=94cfa1976aaf58e5e047d11851be52c61f734da91bc6a323fd80c8700d2a6596JmltdHM9MTc4NDc2NDgwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=01fe02f0-01d3-69b2-1291-159500ec68ad&psq=New+Mexico+Chapter+%7c+Alzheimer%e2%80%99s+Association&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYWx6Lm9yZy9uZXdtZXhpY28

Donna's family is deeply grateful for the love, support, and prayers extended during this time and invites all who knew her to celebrate a life well lived.