DONNA MAE SVOMA WILES
DONNA MAE SVOMA WILES
Donna Mae Svoma Wiles passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital in Milan, Missouri.
Donna was born May 8, 1934 to Alfred “Hob” and Emma Sedivy Svoma on the family farm in the Township of Arthur, between Cornell and Cadott, Wisconsin.
Although she was an only child, she had many cousins nearby that she loved dearly and considered her siblings. (In later years, with a twinkle in her eye, she was happy to be a member of an exclusive “only child club” with Nancy Boese, Deron Dixon, and Shawna Shivers!)
Donna attended the one room school at Crystal Springs, Wisconsin for 8 years and then attended Cornell High School in Cornell, Wisconsin, graduating in 1952.
After graduation, Donna worked for Mason Shoe Company in Chippewa Falls, WI. A year later, she moved back to the family farm and worked for the REC in Cornell, WI for 3 years.
On June 26, 1954, Donna married Thomas E. Wiles, and they enjoyed 66 years together. Tom and Donna lived in many places during their early married years, including Stanley, WI, Kenosha, WI, Cadott, WI, and Independence, IA.
Tom and Donna moved to Milan, MO in 1957 to build the Sullivan County Cheese Factory. After moving to their house on Market Street, Donna began babysitting for several years. At the urging of Bill and Shirley Bushnell, she began working in the office of Altel Telephone Company. She became an operator after the office closed, until her retirement in 1996. After retirement, she began a second season of babysitting that she enjoyed, retiring at the age of 80 in 2014. Donna loved it when her “kids” visited her through their school years and after growing to adulthood. She cheered them on and stayed in contact with many of them.
Donna had a passion for writing letters and sending cards, which numbered in the thousands throughout her life. She touched many lives with news, words of encouragement and comfort to let you know that you mattered.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Tom in 2020. Also preceding her were her parents and grandparents, Joseph and Mary Sedivy and Frank and Mary Svoma.
Donna is survived by her children: Doug (Anna) Wiles, Sharon (Keith) Shivers, and Tim (Lori) Wiles. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren: Trinity Wiles, Tana (Deron) Dixon, Koby (Mandee) Shivers, Kray (Shawna) Shivers, Sam (Alexis) Wiles, Hannah (Alex) Anderson. 10 great grandchildren include: Maddison, Derrick, Dillon, and Devon Wiles, Thatcher, Lorelei, Hallie, Emmalinn Shivers, Margot and Frankie Anderson, and one more Shivers expected in November.
Donna was a member of the United Methodist Church and served as the secretary for the Sarah Circle for many years.
A Celebration of Life service for Donna was held Monday, July 29, 2024 at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan with Rolf Christen and Sung Bauta officiating. Music was provided by: Avery Pickering, Abby Pickering, William Pickering, and Amy Pickering.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Cadott, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the National Bohemian Cemetery may be sent to Ruschmeier- Smith Funeral Home.
