On December 7, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer, Donna Bartel went home to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Donna was born on March 30, 1957 in Steinbach, MB. She grew up on her parent’s farm in Friedensfeld. Donna treasured her childhood and fondly remembered working hard with the livestock and doing field work. Her husband Roy came into her life while she was a teenager and they married on July 16, 1976. A devoted wife and mother, she cherished nothing more than to spend time with her family, selflessly pouring out her love into each of their lives. When Donna was a young teenage girl she had a very personal encounter with her Jesus while sitting on a rock at her parents’ farm. This encounter would prove to be one of the major turning points in her life. Donna went on to serve the Lord and others through Bible studies and teaching Sunday School. Even in the midst of her battle she was always helping and serving others in prayer and encouragement. Donna had a passion for horses and spent a great deal of time raising and training them throughout her life. She also had a great appreciation for the arts; dancing with Roy, painting, playing piano, learning Spanish and nature walks. Donna lived her life to the fullest and will be missed by her family and many friends. Donna is survived by her husband Roy and her three children Cole, Clay and Lane; her mother Elsa, and siblings Sheila (Bud), Rick (daughter Amanda, girlfriend Doris), Merna (daughter Katie), Vivian, Warren (wife Lori and children Dustin, Simon, Jasmine), Lana and Tanis (husband Wayne and children Reed, Paige). She is also survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dianne and Edward Tetrault (children Nathaniel and Renata, Matthew). Donna was predeceased by her father Edward in 2007. A memorial service will be held at Southland Community Church, 190 Hwy 52 West, Steinbach, MB on Thursday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers Donna requested that donations be made to: Native Missionary Movement (India); #202, 10110 - 124 Street, Edmonton, AB T5N IP6