Donna Belle Hill

Donna Belle Hill stitched the final piece into the patchwork of her life on February 11, 2013. Donna had a wonderful life, living on the farm with her soul mate and husband D.B. Aging and Parkinson's made her last years a labor, but she always persevered in spite of her limitations. In her good years (before Parkinson's), she worked alongside D.B. farming, growing and putting up a garden , raising animals and taking care of her fami...and always sewing or crafting something. She loved her needles, threads, patterns and material. "She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness." Prov. 31:27 Her home was where family gathered and there was always lots of food on the table, especially her blackberry cobbler and pecan pie, luscious sweet corn and peas, cornbread or yeast rolls and lots of love to go around. Donna's life was rich with the blessings of not being desirous of "things". Her life was simple. She grew up when people "made do". She never changed. Those of her generation are priceless gems that will never come again. They saw hard times, the Depression, WWII and still got by because they had grit and a survivor's attitude. Because of their sacrifices, the younger generation got privileges they never had. Donna was born in North Little Rock, but spent her life in Martinville. At 18, she struck out alone to work in Oklahoma City during the war as a riveter. She married D.B. when he returned from the war and started their life on the farm. They had one child, Rachel Emily, but nurtured many other "children" including nieces and nephews and their children in turn. Donna Belle was born to D.W. Bughman and Grace Florence (Roberts) Bughman December 23, 1925, the youngest of three children. She is predeceased by her parents, husband, D.B., brother, Harold Douglas Bughman, and sister, Ella Pearl Stephens. She leaves behind, her daughter, Emily, many nieces and nephews, particularly her namesake and niece, Donna Pomroy, caring nephews, Don W. Stephens (Linda), Charles D. Stephens (Glenda), loving sister in law, Jean Dyer, brother-in-law, Charles Hill, dear and faithful friends Evelyn Hall, Rebecca McCollum, Billianne Kypers and a special friend, Freddy Tindall who was always there for Donna and the family for whatever was needed, but especially to bring cheer and joy to an otherwise sequestered life in her last years. Services for Donna will be Thursday, February 14, at 1 p.m. at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier, conducted by Bros. Todd Stephens and Gerald Fitzgerald. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial next to D.B in Martinville Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Charles Hill, Drew Kelso, Nick Mahan, Grady Martin, Charles Riddle, Ralph Webb. In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to the Martinville Cemetery (maintenance fund). A heartfelt thank you to the nurses, CNAs and staff of Greenbrier Nursing and Rehab for their care and love shown to Donna Belle and her family. "Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates." Prov 31:31.