Donna M Paden

Donna Mercedes Leach was born in Lantry, South Dakota on December 4, 1932. She grew up in Arnold, Nebraska and graduated from Arnold High School in 1950. She had many wonderful memories of school days: playing bass drum, cheerleading, and fun with all her friends from school and the Nazarene church. Donna attended Bethany Nazarene College in Oklahoma, and that is where she met Paul Paden. They were united in marriage on May 9, 1953 and lived in Lawton, Oklahoma while Paul was in the service. After Paul’s time in the service, they moved to Elkhorn, Nebraska where they raised their five children: Larry, Kathy, Karen, Charlie and Richard. Donna worked at the Goodrich Store, Hillcrest Elementary School in Elkhorn where she performed janitorial services, the Christian Book Center in Omaha, and Big Red Publishing in Elkhorn. There were also many hobbies Donna enjoyed; she was a part of the Metal Detector Club, collected coins, enjoyed cheering for students in Elkhorn School sports, was a big fan of Husker football and Husker Women’s sports, and loved to travel. One of Donna’s greatest joys was when the family gathered to sing and play guitars together. Another was her family’s large reunions which were held in several different states. She loved her family and all of the wonderful memories shared with them. Her children will remember her as a warm, loving mother who was so proud of each one of them, laughed easily, and always cheered them on in sports and music. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Mildred Leach; husband, Paul Paden; brother, Darrel Leach; and sister, Nola Rosentrater. She is survived by her children: Larry (Sherry) Paden, Kathy (Charlie) Sisson, Karen Silliman, Charles (Val) Paden and Richard (Darla) Paden; 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and siblings: Carol Traube, Joyce (Jack) Baars, Bob (Loretta) Leach, LaVerne (Lois) Leach, Ed (Linda) Leach, and Paul (Caroline) Leach. GRAVESIDE SERVICE: 1 PM Friday, March 4th at McCain Cemetery, located on Highway 92, 4 miles South & 1 ½ miles East of Stapleton, NE. RECEPTION to follow services at the American Legion in Arnold, NE. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Donna M Paden

December 4, 1932 - February 28, 2022