Donna L. Perez, age 91 of Beckemeyer, IL, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
Donna was born in Beckemeyer on April 27, 1934, a daughter of the late Delmar and Elizabeth (Jargon) Gross. She married Julio Perez in Carlyle, IL, on May 26, 1956, and he preceded her in death on August 26, 2008.
Donna is survived by her daughters who adored her, Mitzi Perez-Hawley (Mark), Terri Perez-Yates (Mark), Michele Perez-Schulte (Rick), and Julie Perez-Davis (Mike); her grandchildren, Brett Berger (Sarah), John Hawley, Alex Reilman (Ambrea), Clinton Schulte (Erica), J. Hunter Davis, Hannah Davis (Mike), Megan Conaway (Jimmy), Heather McKinney (Rich); her great grandchildren, Rhyan Berger, Sage Hawley, Harper Reilman, Shiloh Reilman, Ryder Schulte, Madden Schulte, Monroe Schulte, Piper Conaway, Cameron Conaway, Namani McKinney, Aidan McKinney, and Ronan McKinney; her sisters, Louise Miller, Delma Perez, Shirley Knue, and Helen Mahlandt; and her in-laws, Joseph and Joan Perez.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Delmar and Elizabeth Gross; her husband, Julio Perez; her son, Terry Perez in infancy, her son-in-law, Jim Davis; her siblings, Betty Thompson and her husband Elmer, Marion Gross, and Leonard Gross; and her in-laws, Gib Miller, Luis Perez, Bob Knue, Jim Mahlandt, Manuel and Irma Perez, and Linda Perez.
Donna’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother to her four daughters, and a proud grandmother, cherishing every moment spent together. Whether it was family dinners, special outings with her daughters and sisters, or simple time gathered at home. Donna’s heart was fullest when surrounded by those she loved. A lifelong and faithful member of Beckemeyer United Methodist Church where she served as church secretary for several years and never missed attending Sunday worship and weekly Bible study at the Huey Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and shared her kindness with others through many years of delivering Meals on Wheels.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL. Interment will follow at Beckemeyer City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Zieren Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Perez are suggested to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Tunnel to Towers (T2T), or to HSHS Home Care and Hospice in Effingham. Donations will be received through Zieren Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
