Dona Jo (Robertson) Fillmore

Dona attended public schools in Wichita, Kansas, from elementary grades to her Junior year, when her faith called her to Colorado Springs Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  There, she would finish her high school education and graduate as valedictorian in 1952.

While in attendance there, she met Robert (Lewis) Fillmore, and they married in Wichita, Kansas,  August 31st, 1952.  To that union, four children were born; Lynn (1953), Ron (1954), Patti (1956) and Don (1959).

The family ranched and farmed north of Boone, Colorado, for many years.  As a city girl, Dona had much to learn about country life — farmhands to feed, chickens to butcher, and long, unpredictable harvest hours.   She reminisced fondly of that period in her life.  Dona continued to live in the family home north of Boone until moving to Pueblo in 2006.  She would spend her final years at Villa/Pavillion Senior Living Center in Pueblo.

Dona was a voracious reader across a gamut of subjects, including philosophy, politics, poetry — and Calvin and Hobbs!  She enjoyed several hobbies through the years; gardening, sewing, knitting, macrame, and calligraphy.  Her family and friends were welcome beneficiaries of her thoughtful crafting.

She enjoyed several genres of music, attending many performances of the Pueblo Symphony and live theatre productions, locally, in Denver, and on New York’s Broadway.   Josh Groban was a favorite performer of hers, and she was able to attend two of his concerts with a daughter.   She loved nature of all kinds, having a particular fondness for turtles, sunflowers, chickadees and trees.

Her international travels included trips with family to Germany, Mexico, and Canada, and domestically to many favorite spots, including a special train trip to the Grand Canyon with her dear, long-time friend, Carol Ann Hupp.

As a mother and grandmother, her capacity for unconditional love was truly endless; her smile always ready, turning up at every milestone, no matter the scale.  She faithfully attended ballgames and performances for grandchildren, and then for their children.  Great grandchildren fondly remember her enthusiasm for dressing up at Halloween.

Above all, she was the kindest, most thoughtful person, with a ready smile, a great sense of humor, and a contagious laugh.  Though her long farewell journey was more arduous than any of us wished her, she will be missed beyond measure.

Arrangements pending.  Condolences through Montgomery and Steward Funeral Directors, Inc. at www.montgomerysteward.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests the following memorials in Dona’s honor:

The ALS Association @ www.als.org

Abode Hospice of Pueblo @ www.abodehospice.com

Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo @ www.hikeandlearn.org/supportus