Donna Gail Leonard

Donna Gail Leonard, 78, of Shallowater passed from this life on November 14, 2023.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Krestridge Funeral Home in Levelland.  Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Smyer Cemetery.

She was born July 20, 1945 in Levelland to Doyle Edward and Faye Haney Leonard.  Donna was a member of the Baptist church.

Donna was a woman who filled many roles. She was a Mother, a Nana, and a Wife. She was a friend, a confidant, a teacher, and a tremendous cook…and man could that woman cook! She made a pot of beans and potato salad, so good it ruined you for any other; not to mention she had perfected her homemade hot sauce and was always happy to share her culinary creations. She would have coffee ready and waiting for you in the morning, complete with all the fixin’s.

Donna offered a soft place to land when the world was a bit too cruel. She had this wonderful gift of always making you feel seen and heard without judgment or agenda. She was genuinely interested in how you were doing and what was new in your life. She would talk to you about life like it was, but in a way that always left room for hope and wonder.

Donna expressed unwavering faith in her love for God, her country, my Daddy, who she swore hung the moon itself, all her children, and especially her grand babies of all ages. Knowing that she felt Daddy hung the moon, I have it on good authority that she also felt her grand babies certainly decorated the night sky with stars.

Donna was always grateful for the good things in her life, big and small. She loved plants – especially Morning Glories, books, art, big cozy sweaters, her puppies, good Mexican food, and Hallmark Christmas movies. She also loved wooden furniture and considered it nearly a mortal sin to paint over the wood. There are many pieces of “rescued” furniture that she found at various garage and estate sales and returned them to their former glory.

If Donna loved you, you knew it; she let it be known in no uncertain terms. What a privilege it is to have our hearts hurt so much right now, because that means we also had the privilege of loving so much. Rest in peace sweet Donna. This isn’t a forever goodbye, it’s just a see you later.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by husband, Tyke Taylor; sons, Chris Price and Tracy Parker; daughters, Kiersten McIntyre and Kalen Gardener; brother, Jerry Leonard; sister Teresa Hall; Lily and Holly Price, Tabitha Parker, Taylor, Tinley and Tucker McIntyre.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home. (806) 897-1111