Donna Mae Tihista, 89, the daughter of Ingvald and Magda (Hartvikson) Leraas was born May 2, 1933 in Knox, North Dakota. At the age of one and half she traveled with her parents to their new home 26 miles north of Nashua. She graduated from Nashua High School in 1951 and immediately began working in Glasgow. She soon gained employment as a secretary at Bjorklund Insurance Agency where she worked for the next three years until her marriage to Jed Tihista on October 10, 1954. Together they ranched, farmed and raised their three children: Corinne, Doug and Duane on the Wiota River Bottom east of Nashua.
Donna’s kitchen was truly the hub of her home. Everyone was always welcome for a meal or just to sit and visit over a glass of tea and cookies. There was no place she would rather see her family and friends gather, than at her table, loudly laughing and enjoying each other.
Donna cooked and cleaned and could do everything in between. In addition to genealogy, some of her hobbies included gardening, canning, baking, quilting and crocheting. She crocheted afghans for each of her children, grandchildren and even extended family members. She was an excellent seamstress and cook and will be fondly remembered for her chocolate chip cookies, popcorn balls and peanut brittle that she freely shared with friends and neighbors.
Donna was a generous community volunteer. She was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nashua where she held many roles throughout the years. She was treasurer for the church and also for the women’s group, as well as volunteering to teach Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. She served on the Luke’s 100 Board, Valley View Foundation Board and the Prairie Church Foundation. She was on the election board for nearly 30 years, serving as chairman of the board for four years. She served on the supervising committee of the Nashua Federal Credit Union for 10 years then became involved with the Glasgow Credit Union until its closing. She was also active with the Nashua All-School Reunions and was committee member for many, many years. Her passion of genealogy led to her association in founding The Root Digger Club, where she again served as treasurer. She compiled and published a Hartvickson Family history book, created an extensive Tihista genealogical chart, and spent many hours sorting through numerous past generations.
After the death of her husband in December of 2008, Donna continued to live at their family home in Wiota. However her eyesight continuously worsened which prompted her to move to Nemont Manor in Glasgow in October of 2010. She relocated to Prairie Ridge in 2018 where she continued to live until her death early Sunday morning, October 30, 2022 in Glasgow, Montana.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Jed; her parents; brother, Gordon Leraas and sister, Thelma Bjorklund. She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Corinne (Walter) Daley, Doug (Carla) Tihista and Duane (Connie) Tihista, all of the Nashua area; grandchildren: Megan (J.C.), Brooke, Tyler (Hillary), Josh, Jeremy (Mary Kate), Jana (Dillon) and Jake; great-grandchildren, Ellery, Stella, Jed, Rilynn and upcoming baby Tihista; two nephews she considered her own, Rick (Pat) Tihista and Buck (Sue) Tihista, as well as several other beloved nieces and nephews.
Mom loved people and was a great friend. She was proud of her life and was the glue that kept us all together. We will treasure our memories of her and forever miss her.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 4, 2022 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nashua. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in the Nashua Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com. Memorials can be made to the organization of your choice or to one of Donna’s favorites: Nashua All-School Reunion, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Historical Society of the Pioneer Museum.
Terry Burt says
Donna was as warm and friendly a person as you would ever hope to know.Our deepest condolences to all of the Tihista and extended families
Terry and Muriel Burt
Kathy Marks says
Corinne and family,
My condolences to you all. Your mom was always gracious and had that pretty smile. My mil, Helen Marks, mentioned her frequently with admiration. Take comfort in your memories, prayers to you all.
Lila Buen says
Corinne and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom . . . it’s so hard to lose your mom! I’ll be thinking about you as you celebrate her life on Friday. Maybe I’ll see you on Saturday at Arthur’s service. Blessings to all, lots of love, Lila
Marian Ludlow says
I am so sorry to hear. Love sent to you all as you celebrate Donna’s life.
Cheri Lambert says
RIP Aunt Donna. You were always such a kind and welcoming presence in my life. My heart goes out to the family.
LeAnn Tihista White says
Donna was the best! I so loved when her and Jed would sit around the table at our house and tack. Stuff would really flow… Donna loved to get a couple of zingers on dad. I will really miss her wonderful hugs. I never wanted to let go. Rest In Peace and I know you are with Jed and everyone now having a ball. We will miss you but you are always in our hearts ♥️
Melinda Tangen says
As a kid, we loved to go to Jed and Donna’s place. I loved Donna’s laugh and she always had a hug for us girls. I got the sweetest card from her when my mom passed and it meant the world to me. Corrine, Doug, Duane and families, I am sorry for your loss. Saying goodbye to your mom is a hard grief to bear. May the Lord give you comfort and peace in your hearts to know that you were loved by a wonderful one.
Rebecca Jones says
I didn’t know her but very sorry for the loss she sounds like she was a great person to many people and her community now she is an angel of the lord’s prayer for the family and friends of hers
Arlie Gordon says
Deepest condolences. Donna was a sweet woman.
Granada Family says
Donna was a sweet, kind and wonderful neighbor and friend. You could always count on her wonderful baked treats at every branding, her welcoming smile, and subtle wit. Condolences to you all – Corinne, Doug, Duane and Tihista family – your mother rests in peace.
The Granada Family – Carol, Gene & Genna
buck archambeault says
Donna was very nice and a good client for several years.
Donna Klemetsrud says
Although I really didn’t know her, we were related. I met her at a family reunion and we tried to keep up with the newest additions to the family, as well as those who passed on.
Mom (Alice Johnson married to Harfred Johanson) always spoke highly of her. I’m not sure if there’s any connection but my name is also Donna Mae.
My deepest condolences to the family. When a mother passes on, families need to try harder to get together. Mom is often the hub or glue that keeps people together.
Peace and prayers to you.