Donna Jean (Fitzwater) Rhea

Donna Jean Rhea, 85, of Piedmont, MO, passed away Monday, January 15, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Leeper, MO, June 30, 1938, to parents Clarence and Anna (Webb) Fitzwater.

Donna was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, loving grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a Piedmont High School graduate with the class of 1956 and married the love of her life, Bobby Gene Rhea, January 20, 1957. They were blessed with five children. Donna was a homemaker, and a devout Christian, determined to teach her family about God. She attended church until her health prevented her from doing so.  In the past she attended Peach Tree General Baptist Church, Trinity Methodist Church, and Harvest Baptist Church. Donna was a military wife raising her family while her husband served our country. She was a strong woman, a personable lady, and a true fighter. Her greatest legacy was her faith in her Lord and Savior, her family, and her friends. Donna will be greatly missed.  

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her granddaughter: Elizabeth Townsend; and brother; John Fitzwater.  

Donna is survived by her husband of sixty-six years; children: Curt Rhea and wife Debbie of Greenville, MO, Doug Rhea and wife Sherry of Piedmont, MO, Cheryl Townsend and husband Ken of Farmington, MO, Paul Rhea and wife Bev of Herculaneum, MO, Maria Rhea of Strongsville, OH; grandchildren: Brandon Rhea and wife Amber, BJ Casey and wife Chanda, James Rhea and wife Kate, Rhiannon Rhea, Alicia Simmons and husband Jordan, Anna Post and husband Calvin, Daniel Rhea and fiancé Morgan, Rowdy Moss and wife Lindsay, Trevor Moss, Brandy Townsend, Joe Townsend and wife Brittney, Mickaela Townsend, Lacey Townsend, Katrina Townsend, Angel Townsend, Sarah Mealer and husband Dominick, Robynn Steffen, Joanna Rhea, Micah Rhea; many great-grandchildren; brother Bill Fitzwater of Piedmont, MO, Sister-in-law Doris Fitzwater of Poplar Bluff, MO, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.   

Visitation was held at 12:00 noon, Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service followed at 2:00 pm, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Bro. Pete Ruble ministered to the family. Paul Rhea gave a heartfelt eulogy. Music was provided by Debbie Rhea and Alicia (Rhea) Simmon accompanied by pianist/vocolist, Lindsay Moss. James Rhea, Brandon Rhea, Daniel Rhea, Micah Rhea, BJ Casey, and Martin Waller served as pallbearers. Burial was in Webb Cemetery, Piedmont. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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