A Mass of Christian Burial for Dona Deffenbaugh, age 91, of Burke, South Dakota, was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burke with Father Ron Garry officiating. Brenda Deffenbaugh was lector, Jack, Jhett, and Owen Schulte were altar servers, and Dona’s great-grandchildren presented the gifts at the offertory. Dick Deffenbaugh, Dan Deffenbaugh, Douglas Deffenbaugh, Dudley Deffenbaugh, Dale Deffenbaugh, Richard Beuttell, and Blue Indahl were casket bearers. All of Dona’s grandchildren were honorary casket bearers.
Music was provided by the Sacred Hearth Catholic Church choir, accompanied by Pat Thiry on organ.
Interment was at Herrick Cemetery in Herrick. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Dona was born on May 2, 1935, in Burke to Delbert and Elsie Drey. She was raised on the family farm near Herrick, where she developed the strong work ethic, resilience, and practical wisdom that guided her throughout her life. She later married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Denny Deffenbaugh.
Dona and Denny shared an extraordinary 71 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, hard work, and unwavering commitment to one another. Their home became a place where generations gathered and memories were made.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, Dona trusted in God’s guidance throughout her life. She found comfort in prayer and strength in God’s promises.
Dona was someone others could always depend on. She was also known for her dedicated service of more than 25 years at First Fidelity Bank, where she was respected for her dependability and strong work ethic. She cared for her family through everyday acts of love, whether preparing meals, tending her garden, embroidering thoughtful gifts, spending peaceful afternoons fishing, reading a good book, or faithfully sending birthday and holiday cards. Through these simple but meaningful gestures, she made sure those she loved knew they were remembered.
She was especially known for her famous homemade chocolate cake, a family favorite that became a treasured tradition. But it was more than just a chocolate cake. It was a symbol of her love and thoughtfulness, made from scratch for birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, and for anyone fortunate enough to receive one.
Above all else, Dona’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished watching it grow through the generations and treasured every opportunity to gather with those she loved. Her legacy lives on through the traditions she created, the values she modeled, and the care she showed others throughout her life.
Dona passed away on July 16, 2026, at Burke Community Memorial Hospital at the age of 91.
Dona is survived by her husband of 71 years, Denny Deffenbaugh; her children, Dick Deffenbaugh, Deb (Blue) Indahl, Dan (Marianne) Deffenbaugh, Doug (Brenda) Deffenbaugh, Dudley (Shawna) Deffenbaugh, Denise (Richard) Beuttell, and Dale (Kris) Deffenbaugh; 27 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren, with more on the way; her brother Earl Drey; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and neighbors whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ann Hawley; her beloved great-granddaughter Alexia Dee Deffenbaugh; and many other loved ones.
