Donna Ralston
May 30, 1951 ~ September 20, 2013
Donna Marie Ralston (Gartner), age 62, West Fargo, ND, died Friday, September 20, 2013 at her home.
Donna was born May 30, 1951 in Dickinson, ND to Nickolas and Mathilda (Kubischta) Gartner. She attended St. Joseph’s Elementary school and graduated from Trinity High School in1969 and went on to receive an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Programming in 1971 from ND College of Science in Wahpeton. She later completed a BS degree in Computer Science. Donna married Terrance H. Ralston of Petersburg, ND on June 24, 1972 at St. Joseph’s Church in Dickinson.
They lived in Fargo until 1979 at which time they moved just west of Horace. Terrance passed away in 1994 and Donna returned to live in West Fargo in 1999. Donna worked at Kost Brothers, Inc. in Moorhead, MN until 1975. She then worked at Goldberg Feed and Grain until they were purchased in 1985 by Busch Agricultural Resources. She continued working for Busch as a computer accounting specialist at the Barley Operations Office in West Fargo, ND until her retirement in 2008. Donna enjoyed nature walks, reading, flowers, traveling and spending time with her family. She was a former member of Medic 1 Response Team, Horace Rescue, and Boy Scout Troop 279 Committee. She was an active member of the RCIA team and Eucharistic Minister at Holy Cross Catholic Church, as well as participating in other volunteer activities there. She also volunteered at Hospice of the Red River Valley and did prison ministry.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and husband, Terrance. Donna is survived by a daughter, Jeannie (Tracy) Schar of Kasson, MN; a son, Scott (Kathryn) Ralston of Windom, MN; grandchildren, Alexandria Schar and Thackery Schar of Kasson, MN and Caelen Ralston and Tristan Ralston of Windom, MN; and a brother, Donald Gartner of Pennock, MN.
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May the angels bring her peace!!Sorry for your loss but she has lost her battle here on earth, but she is winning it in heaven!!
Horace ndWe own Home Sweet Home Eldercare in Horace. We met Donna thru her ministry work to Elderly thru the Holy Cross Church. She spent an hour every Tuesday with us, talking, praying and bringing her sunshine along to us. She was such an inspiration and even tho most of the time, I am sure our people were healthier than she was, she never gave up. She is now with her Lord that she loved so much. We are so glad she could be part of our lives. God Bless her memory.
West Fargo North Dakota
Donna’s Family,
We are sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in our prayers at this sad time. Gene and Shirley
Hatton North Dakota
I find myself celebrating Donna….celebrating the woman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. I celebrate her life of goodness, dedication and fun. I celebrate her faith. The grief I feel is for what could have been…for so many more years she should have had with her family and friends…and because I miss her. I, too, was a co-worker with her at Busch Ag, she taught me so much, and I thanked her. What a privilege to witness her courage and personal relationship with God…and to be with her as she was “lifted up on eagles wings.” God bless her memory.
I am truly sorry for your loss. May you turn to “the God of all comfort” to help you cope with the loss of your dear loved one. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
Grand Forks ND
Dear Donna’s Family, Donna will be missed. She had a quiet demeaner but her hearty laugh rung through the crowd when she was with the Ralston family too. We loved her and I was with Don and Joyce yesterday and they said she didn’t miss sending a birthday or anniversary card. They had such fun at Christmas time with their gift exchange. She didn’t miss a reunion and she would talk with everybody. She was always interested in others and she seldon taked about her struggles. The last time I visited her she sent me a thank you card for coming. I was so touched by her kindness rest in the arms of Jesus, Donna. I wish I could hear the story of your heavenly reunion. Two people were never so well matched as you and Terry. Love you Donna.
Miles City MTOur prayers are with all of you in your time of sorrow. We will always remember Donna’s love of life, and especially our times with her at the Gartner reunions. God has taken her into his loving arms. May His Peace and Comfort be with all her family and friends.
Fairfield MTJeannie, Scott, Don and families,
I had the opportunity of working with Donna for many years at Busch Ag Resources. Which then gave me the great pleasure of getting to her and the blessing of calling her my friend as well as a co-worker. After her retirement in 2008 we kept in touch by emails throughout the year and sharing Christmas cards and letters to keep in touch with each other. Each December I looked forward to hearing her adventures throughout the year and albout how her grandchildren were growing.
I am saddened by the loss of our dear friend, Donna, but very grateful she is now at peace from her long battle.
I will miss her, but she has a place in my heart which brings a smile.
Happy memories and peace to you and your families. — Jan and Ed Adamson