Donna Ruth Atkins

Donna Ruth Atkins, 80, life-time Bozeman resident passed away suddenly Saturday, April 7, 2012 at her home. Born to Orba and Nona Atkins in Bozeman on November 25, 1931, Donna graduated from Gallatin County High School. She was a telephone operator with Mountain Bell Phone Co. starting her senior year of high school. She worked there until the operators were fazed out. She then went to work as the “Phone Lady” for Montana State University until her retirement. Donna was a huge sports fan, she especially loved the Dallas Cowboys, MSU Bobcats and the Bozeman High Hawks. Donna will be remembered for her love of her family, her kindness, her gentleness, her always positive attitude, and her unending thoughtfulness. People who met her never forgot her. We were all more blessed having her as part of our lives. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Neal and Bob; her sisters Betty, Marge and Audrey; and her beloved cats Taffy and Socks. She leaves behind her sister Margaret (Glenn) Huntsman; her nephew Bruce (Becky) Huntsman and their children Kodi and Shane; her nieces Cindy and Kelly Huntsman, all of Bozeman; Laura Harper and Charlotte Haye in California; her nephews Dick (Bonnie) Atkins of Columbus and Bobby (Mary) Atkins of Bozeman; her sister-in -law Betty Jo Atkins of Bozeman; and her cousin Skip (Kathy) Jennings of Belgrade. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made in Donna’s name to Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 11390, Bozeman, MT 59719 or heartofthevalley.org