Donna Kay (Nienhouse) Yost

Donna Kay Yost, beloved mother and "Nana," passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024, following a brief illness. She was 72 years old. Donna was born on October 14, 1951, in Grand Haven, MI, to Louis and Alvina Nienhouse.

A lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities, she graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1969. In 1966, she met Ron Yost, who would share her journey for the rest of her days. They wed in 1970 and would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary this Thursday, September 26th. Donna's love for her family was boundless. If you have ever visited Donna & Ron's home, there is a huge wooden sign hanging on the wall that reads, "Love, don't ever leave Nana's house without it."

While she had worked at Western Michigan Fleet Parts and the Office Supply Center, her primary occupation, passion, and LIFE...was her family. Donna & Ron had three children: Thaye (1972-2019), Jessica, and Matt. Be it her children, grandchildren, or even pets, Donna's pride was in being a homemaker, taking care of "all the little birdies in her nest." That "nest" was a sanctuary where children grew strong, independent, a little sassy, and most of all, were loved.

Donna's unwavering faith was a guiding light in her life. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Grand Haven and an active participant in their Bible Study group. She found joy in dancing with Ron at the Grand Haven American Legion on Saturday nights, where her soul would illuminate the evening through music and fellowship. Her interests included cooking, camping, soaking up Michigan's glorious sunshine on the beach or her deck, and travel. When you first enter her home, pictures along the wall celebrate the places visited, and adventures shared with her family.

Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Ron; daughter, Jessica (Kelly) Hamberg; and son, Matt Yost. Nana's spirit lives on through her grandchildren: Olivia Young, Abigail & Avery Hamberg, and Morgan & Peyton Yost. Donna is remembered by Jesse Bruce, his wife, Laurice Sacamay, and children, Hannah Bruce & Raphaella Sacamay. A lifetime of four-legged companions, including Otto, and her grand-dogger, Fern P. Bruce, brought her heart great joy and comfort.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Thaye Bruce; and brother, Jerry Nienhouse.

Autumn is always a challenge for this family, as Thaye passed away on September 27, 2019. In this time of sorrow, we take comfort in knowing Donna has been reunited with her firstborn in the House of The Lord.

The Memorial Service for Donna will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Aaron Vergin officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan.

Proverbs 31:31: "Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Donna, your life was well-lived. As a believer and humble servant of Christ, you have earned a golden forever. Your legacy is the family you built with Ron and all the accomplishments they have earned. We send you forth with the words of Robert Clark Seger heralding your ascension and celebrating the reunion with loved ones passed, "Out where the rivers meet the soundin' sea, you're high above me now, you're wild and free."

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