Donna Ruth Thomas of McKinney, Texas passed away May 22, 2023, at the age of 82. She was born on September 18, 1940, to Ralph Washington Peterson and Pauline Gladys (Roberts) Peterson in Pine, Missouri. Donna grew up on a farm and proudly drove a tractor for her family at the age of 8. She married William Lindsey Thomas on August 9, 1974, in San Diego, California. Donna worked for the State of California for many years. She volunteered at the Oceanside (California) Police Department until she relocated to Texas, where she resumed her volunteerism at the McKinney Police Department. Donna was known for her caring heart and jokester spirit. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family, and she never met a stranger along the way – just a friend she hadn’t met yet. Donna was a devoted member of Suncreek United Methodist Church in Allen, Texas. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Donna will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 48 years, William L. Thomas of McKinney, Texas; daughter, Michelle Boettcher and husband, Barry of Freeport, Illinois; sons, Bret Pilney and wife, Nancy of Bucyrus, Kansas, Kevin Thomas of Sachse, Texas, and Shawn Pilney and wife, Margie of Bakersfield, California; nine grandchildren, Alex Boettcher (Caitlin), Jennifer Moore (Michael), Melissa Aiken (Ryan), Bret Pilney Jr., Laura Fisher (Dyllan), Madison McHenry (Joshua), Parker Pilney, Joshua Scharpenberg (Arabella), and Savannah Thomas; three great-grandchildren, Colin Boettcher (5), Vera Boettcher (3), and Wesley McHenry (5 months); brother, Max Peterson; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other loving family and friends.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Pauline Peterson; sisters, Mary Williamson and Nettie Moore; and brother, Bob Peterson.
A funeral service will be held on 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Suncreek United Methodist Church, 1517 W. McDermott Drive, Allen, Texas 75013. Prior to the service, a brief reception will be held at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013 for a committal service.
The family will receive family and friends during a visitation on Wednesday afternoon from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
As Donna was a volunteer for the McKinney Texas Police Department, memorial contributions can be made in her name to: McKinney Citizens On Patrol Association (MCOPA), P. O. Box 2671, McKinney, Texas 75070.