Donna Grilley

Minot

Donna Lue (Smette) Grilley was born on August 24, 1947, a daughter of Oscar and Leatha (Smette) in Minot, ND. Donna graduated from Deering High School in 1965. She furthered her education and attended Minot State College.

There are some people whose love is so deep, so boundless, that their presence is never truly gone. Donna was one of those rare and beautiful souls. She didn’t just live–she loved, wholeheartedly and unconditionally. She was the heart of her family, the best mom, the strongest woman, she was a gram, a nana and the kind of person who made the whole world feel warmer, safer, and brighter just by being in it.

From the moment she met Kenny, she knew she had found her forever; they were married for 43 years. Their love was a steady, unwavering force, the foundation of a life filled with laughter, adventure, and a devotion that never wavered. Together, they built a home where love was always abundant, and from that love came their greatest joy–their three children, Jeanna, Gail and Jesse, from that day forward she became eternally grateful for the life she would get to live raising and loving her kids.

Donna was born to be a mother. Her love for her children was endless and all-encompassing. She was their greatest champion, their fiercest protector, their safe place. Whether celebrating their triumphs, lifting them through life’s hardships, or simply holding them in her arms, she gave them the kind of love that lasts forever. She taught them kindness, strength, and the importance of family–not just in words, but in the way she lived every single day.

And then came the greatest treasures of all–her grandkids, Tyler, Hollis, & Laila. The moment they entered her life, they became the very center of her world. Every laugh, every hug, every whisper, “Love you.” was a testament to the joy they brought her. Her love for them was radiant and overflowing in the way her face lit up when she saw them, in the gentle way she held them close, and in the endless ways she made them feel cherished. She had special relationships with each of her grandkids that will be a lasting memory for each of them and her legacy will continue to carry on in their hearts forever.

Tyler and Grams relationship was one to be written about in books. From her days of playing b-ball in the backyard, to yelling, “Go Lundy!” from the hockey stands, and the constant chatter of, “In the glove.” on the baseball fields. Watching him from a little boy to growing up into such a humble, kind and successful young man was one of her biggest joys. Their dedication and love to each other was truly the most special bond.

Hollis & Laila called her “Nana” and she loved them with everything in her. From day one, she and Hollis were always getting into some shenanigans, they truly were each other’s sidekick in life. Laila was Nana’s “little stinker” and Nana loved to squish her face. Their relationship was truly the cutest. In Laila’s heart Nana was her hero. We know she will forever shine bright in the stars and hold a special place in all her grandkids’ hearts & she will protect and guide them from heaven above.

Donna had a spirit that never gave up and a love that knew no bounds. Life tested her, but she faced every challenge with grace, grit, and an unshakable determination. She was a protector, a nurturer, a fighter, and above all, a woman who loved with every piece of her soul.

She found joy in life’s simplest moments–the beauty of her flowers, the warmth of family gathered around, the quiet companionship of her beloved sidekick, Boots. She poured her heart into everything she did, whether it was making a house a home, cheering from the sidelines, or serving her community, and Hope Lutheran Church. She had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and deeply loved, and that is what made her truly special.

Though Donna is no longer here in body, her love remains–woven into the hearts of her children, her grandchildren, her family, and all the lives she touched. Her spirit will live on in every story shared, every lesson passed down, and every moment of kindness done in her honor.

Those Who Shared in Her Life:

Her loving children, Jeanna Grilley, Gail (Tony Hall) Lundy, Jesse (Melissa) Grilley; her loving grandchildren, Tyler(Clarissa) Lundy, Hollis & Laila Grilley, Zoe & Toby Hall; her loving siblings, Delila Miller, Debbie (Gary) Stratton, Doug (Charlotte) Smette; her loving brother-in-law, Paul (Fran) Grilley, her loving sisters-in-law, Linda Smette and Diane Grilley; her loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by the love of her life for 43 years, Kenneth Grilley; her parents, Oscar & Leatha Smette; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Hollis and Lorraine Grilley; sister and brother-in-law, Annella (Raymond) Miller; brother, Myron Smette; brother-in-law, Raymond Joe Miller; nephew, Keith Smette; niece, Renae Stephens; and nephew, Greg Miller.

Hearts Like Wildflowers

I hope you are blessed

with a heart like a wildflower.

Strong enough to rise again

after being trampled upon,

tough enough to weather

the worst of the summer storms,

and able to grow and flourish

even in the most broken places

–Nikita Gill

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers during this difficult time. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us and honoring the memory of our beloved Donna Lue.

Funeral: Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, Surrey.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com)