Donna Sue Sweet-Sumbot peacefully returned to her loving Heavenly Father surrounded by family, on the evening of November 16, 2022 after having been diagnosed with brain cancer on June 14, 2022.
Donna was born on September 2, 1940 in San Antonio, TX to parents Donald W. Kaspervik, Captain in the US Air Force, and Lillian Irene Lindstrom. When she was just under three years old, her father died in a tragic multi-plane accident during military training maneuvers. Several years later her mother remarried, Frank Slater, raising Donna and two half-sisters in Quincy, IL.
After a high school courtship and engagement to Phillip A. Sweet, Phil joined the army and the two were married in El Paso TX on April 20, 1959. In 1962 they settled in California, where they began raising their family, him working for Union Pacific Railroad and her as a cosmotologist.
Fifteen years later, they followed their playful hearts (and passion for snow skiing) to Bountiful, UT. They lived their life together by principles of unconditional love, generosity and gratitude. They had six children together and left a legacy of 25 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Phil passed away from cancer at a young 55, on September 17, 1996.
Donna married Robert A. Sumbot on August 12, 1997. Bob was so good to and loved his ‘Baby Sweet’. They had so much fun traveling and serving together throughout their marriage. Their joy together came from a shared love of the Gospel and their families. Adding six more children and their spouses, 23 more grandchildren and 63 more great-grandchildren to Donna’s family. They remained married until he passed away from complications of Covid on June 6, 2020.
Donna Sue enjoyed serving in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints which she joined at the age of 21, after the missionaries were able to answer so many of the questions she had about her purpose in this life and the nature of God. She loved to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone who wanted to know more. She served a mission with her husband, Robert, to Nauvoo from 2003-2004. They called that the highlight of their marriage.
Donna Sue had a passion for rubber stamping, and because of this, she had friends from all over the country with whom she corresponded regularly. Recieving this 'fun mail’ from treasured friends brought many smiles to her and her family.
The last few years of her life (after Robert went into a nursing home) Donna Sue lived with her granddaughter, Laurie, and husband Jonathan Ellsworth along with their children Lily, Ruby and Eliza. She enjoyed her time with them and was very grateful for that opportunity.
She is survived by her two half-sisters:
Judy Miller and Debbie Midendorf.
Her children:
Roderick “Rick” (Joy) Sweet
Michelle Penman
Valerie (Jason) Knudsen,
James Cameron “JC” (Carrie) Sweet
Jared (Teagan) Sweet
Nicholas Sweet,
Her step-children:
Brian (Kathy) Sumbot
Steve(Carey) Sumbot
Jan (Doug) Houston
Bob (Tamara) Sumbot
Teri (Travis) Kummer
Russ (Annette) Sumbot
And her many grand children and step great-grandchildren.
Her family would like to thank everyone for their kindness to, love of, and remembrance of Donna Sue.
In lieu of flowers requested donations be sent to:
The Lupus Foundation of America.
Donna Sue Sweet-Sumbot Memorial Services will be broadcast LIVE on ZOOM
ZOOM Link :
Join ZOOM Meeting ID: 982 8311 9645
Jared and Teagen, We are so sorry for the loss of Donna. I can just picture your mom's constant smile right now as we walked through the door to your house. She always had kind words to say and a smart retort when needed. She was an angel and made my childhood better. We love you and wish we could be with you on Saturday.
Jared and Teagen, We are so sorry for the loss of Donna. I can just picture your mom's constant smile right now as we walked through the door to your house. She always had kind words to say and a smart retort when needed. She was an angel and made my childhood better. We love you and wish we could be with you on Saturday.
Donna was a good friend and down the street neighbor.I enjoyed my association with her in church assignments. She was always a happy person, always smiling and lifting you up when you needed it. As you have all found out she will be missed. Thanks for the memories,Donna.
Donna was a good friend and down the street neighbor.I enjoyed my association with her in church assignments. She was always a happy person, always smiling and lifting you up when you needed it. As you have all found out she will be missed. Thanks for the memories,Donna.
To All Donna Sue's Family Members,
We remember Donna as a bright, likable, contributing member of our Quincy High School Class of 1958. She always attended our class reunions and for that reason we shall miss her next September, 2023 when we plan on holding our 65th reunion. Oh, how we wish she would be able to join us. She also always remembered us at Christmas time when she often sent us cards that she had made herself. May she rest in peace now.
As ever,
Dick & Pat (dicks) Wentura
Quincy, IL