Virgene Donney

Virgene Donnabelle Donney, one of three children of Benjamin and Helma (Anderson) Johnson, was born January 7, 1922, at her parent's farm home near Alta, Iowa. Virgene attended school and graduated from the Alta Consolidated Schools in 1939. She attended present-day UNI and UNO earning degrees in Elementary Education and Handicapped Education. She began her teaching career in 1941 in northeastern Iowa, eventually teaching at Franklin School in Council Bluffs, Iowa and Central High in Rochester, Minnesota.
Virgene and Everett P. Donney were married in the Little Brown Church in the Vale at Nashua, Iowa on June 10, 1947. They were married 29 years and were blessed with seven children: Terry Jean, Tim E., Tamara Ann, Tanya Lou, Tom James, Thad William, and Elizabeth Lynette.
The family moved to Carson, Iowa, and in 1961 Virgene joined the Carson-Macedonia teaching staff as a 6th grade and Junior High English and Reading teacher. In later years, she was also the K-12 Special Education instructor. Virgene retired in 1986, but taught part time until 1990. After nearly 50 years of teaching, Virgene continued to take an active interest in the school and students.
Virgene's family was the focal point of her life and having them home for family gatherings was always special. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time on the computer. She was an active member of the Wheeler Grove United Church of Christ and the Women's Fellowship group until poor health limited her activities. She especially enjoyed outings with her friends and the Botna Valley Republican Club.
Due to health problems, Virgene moved to the Risen Son Christian Village at Council Bluffs early in 2006. Virgene died at Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska on September 3, 2006 at the age of 84 years, 7 months, and 26 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister Marjorie Johnson; brother Orville Johnson; and son-in-law Larry Brokman.
Virgene is survived by her children, Terry Brokman of Council Bluffs; Tim Donney and wife Jackie of Cranbury, NJ; Tammy Donney of Council Bluffs; Tanya "Boo" Donney of Carson; Tom Donney and wife Patti of Fort Dodge, IA; Thad Donney and wife Teresa of Macedonia; Lynette Maynes and husband Byron of Salome, AZ; eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.