Donna V. Danner
Donna V. Danner
Donna Katherine Van Fossen Danner, 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family in Staunton, Virginia. Born on January 31, 1946 in Staunton, Virginia, Donna was the only child of the late Calvin Lewis and Betty Katherine Wimer Van Fossen.Donna graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1964. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Minor in Mathematics from Appalachian State University in 1969. In 1992, Donna obtained a Masters Degree in Education Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.Donna taught elementary school for over thirty years in the Augusta County and Henrico County school districts. She had a passion for working with children. Donna spent much of her time spoiling her beloved grandchildren. In her spare time, she was an avid volunteer. She went on mission trips with youth, drove the Gypsy Express train in Gypsy Hill Park, provided respite care to hospice patients, ushered at local theaters, volunteered with the Augusta Health Thrift Store and Augusta Health, and was a faithful volunteer at churches throughout her life. Donna was a loyal member of Memorial Baptist Church in Staunton, Virginia.Donna is survived by Joseph Cameron Danner, whom she married October 8, 1966 and shared forty-two years together raising three children. They separated in 2008 and were reunited in 2022. For the last three and a half years, they enjoyed their closest times together. She is also survived by her three children, Jennifer Lynnette Danner Klein, Angela Renee Danner Smith (Taylor Smith), Joseph Aaron Danner (Josie Danner); her nine grandchildren, Swan Lewis Klein, Ethan Henrich Klein, Alex James Swanson, Braxton Taylor Smith, Carter Robert Smith, Katherine Marie Smith, Ryland Joseph Danner, Lexy Grace Danner, and Avery Faith Danner; and a special aunt and uncle, Rebecca and Stewart Sherwood.Often called “a friend to all”, Donna was loved and will be missed by countless friends and family. A memorial service for Donna will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Memorial Baptist Church in Staunton. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Donna’s name to Memorial Baptist Church (224 Taylor Street, Staunton, Virginia 24401).
