Doneta Mae Gifford Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Doneta Gifford, 88 Kearney resident Doneta Gifford, 88, of Kearney died Friday, June 28, 2019 at her home in Kearney. A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney. The Rev. Jeff Wulf will officiate. Interment will follow at Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Memorials are suggested to the Kearney Area Animal Shelter or Faith United Methodist Church. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Doneta Mae Gifford was born on February 13, 1931 in Upland, Nebraska to Harm and Mary (Beisel) Best. She grew up and went to high school in Upland and graduated with the class of 1949. She continued her education at Kearney State College for two years. Doneta was united in marriage to Robert E. Gifford on November 30, 1952 in Upland. Shortly after the wedding, the couple moved to Kearney. To this union, seven children were born: Patrick, Roberta, Mark, Timothy, John, Mary and Mickey. The couple raised their children in Kearney and had lived here ever since their marriage. Doneta worked as a cook for over 26 years at several places, including; Bryant Elementary School, Rhyme and Reason Daycare, Kearney Elk’s Club and YRTC until her retirement in 1997. She always enjoyed her time with all the kids. Doneta was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney, and enjoyed bird watching, jigsaw puzzles and crocheting special gifts for everyone. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Roberta (Rex) Wiles, Mark Gifford, John (Leila) Gifford, Mary Gifford and Mickey Gifford, all of Kearney; 15 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; sister-in-law, Donna Best of Geneva, NE; as well as, several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Doneta is preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Gifford; sons, Patrick F. and Timothy J. Gifford; her parents; and her brother, Donald Best.

Doneta Mae Gifford

February 13, 1931 - June 28, 2019