Donna Wright

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Obituary

Donna Wright, 90, of Mitchell, SD, passed away peacefully Friday, January 9, 2026, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 13, at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Donna Marie Wright was born May 5, 1935, on a farm near Mt. Vernon, SD, to Ernest and Ivey (Davis) Wieczorek. Donna grew up with deep roots in the community. After graduating from Mt. Vernon High School in 1953, she married Herbert Scott, and together they welcomed their daughter, Julie. Life took Donna from South Dakota to Oregon and back again, and in 1956, she married Ross Wright. Their family grew to include two sons, James and Darin. Though her journey would take her from Mitchell to Nebraska with Ross when he transferred with Hormel Foods, and even to California to be near Julie and her family, Donna's heart always brought her back to Mitchell. The place she and Ross would ultimately call home.

Donna's life was defined by her unwavering devotion to family. Nothing brought her more joy than supporting her children through every stage of their lives. Whether attending school activities, cheering at sporting events, or celebrating milestones throughout their high school and college years, she was always present, always encouraging. Her love extended beyond her immediate family as she faithfully served the First United Methodist Church for more than 70 years, where her caring spirit touched countless lives.

A woman of many talents and interests, Donna pursued beauty school at the South Dakota Beauty Academy in Sioux Falls, graduating in 1956. She went on to build a fulfilling career at the Krall Optometric Clinic, where she worked for over twenty years before retiring in 2000. She was known for her caring nature, and her work was deeply important to her.

Donna's life was rich with simple pleasures and cherished friendships. She treasured her coffee dates and lunches with dear friends, spent years as part of a bowling team, and in later years, she and Ross created beautiful memories traveling together, including a wonderful surprise cruise that delighted her. After Ross retired, they enjoyed their golden years side by side in Mitchell until his passing in 2016.

Donna is survived by her two sons: James (Susan) Wright of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Darin (Janice) Wright of Papillion, NE; six grandchildren: Daniel (Laci) Wright, Matthew Olson, Tyler (Leilani) Wright, Andrew Olson, Kelsey (Jared) Hendricks, and Kayla Wright; three great-grandchildren: Violet Wright, James Beaumont Wright, and Anela Wright; and her sister-in-law, Barbara Christopher.

Donna was preceded in death by her daughter, Julie Scott; husband, Ross Wright; her parents, Ernest and Ivey Wieczorek; brother, Dean Wieczorek; half-brothers, Owen Christopher and Don Wieczorek; and sister-in-law, Donna Wieczorek.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church Stained Glass Window Fund.

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