Donna Jean "Peg" Best

Although some view being a wife and mother to be of minimal value with little reward, nothing could be further from the truth according to Donna Jean Best as she felt that these roles were both her highest calling and her greatest blessing. She was intentional in the way she lived her life and conscience of the needs and feelings of those around her. Donna was blessed to find the love of her life with whom she witnessed her family tree blossom to include numerous branches of loved ones. Through her legacy we learn that happiness is not found in the things we have, but that it is through the love we share with those around us that we are richly blessed. Donna will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. The 1920s were a vibrant time in American history when innovation was taking us places we had never been. Prosperity was the dominant force while prohibition was the law of the land. The lights of Broadway never shined brighter, Babe Ruth drew baseball fans to the ballpark in record numbers, and Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh transformed the world of flight. It was in 1928 that a bustling family from Sullivan Township, Michigan, welcomed a healthy baby girl into the fold on March 28th. Donna Jean was the ninth of ten children born to her parents, John Arthur and Sarah Elizabeth (Chapin) Shavalier, and she was raised in the family home alongside her older siblings, Jack, Max, Clark, Stanley, Kittie, Axel, Stephen, and Deloris, and her younger brother, Robert. As the second youngest in her family, it goes without saying that she was doted over just a bit. In many ways Peg, nicknamed Peg by her father, experienced a childhood that reflected the times. Her father worked as a laborer at Lakey Foundry, walking to and from the family home in Sullivan Township to Muskegon for work each day. Pegs mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. She had special friendships with Ella Jane Chase and Deloris Carson and was a student at Jibson School in Sullivan Township during her elementary and junior high years. In high school Donna attended Ravenna High School where she enjoyed dancing and rollerskating, and although she didnt graduate at the time she later earned her GED. The Shavalier family was a close-knit group, and family get togethers were a regular occurrence. From a young age Donna enjoyed baking, canning, and cooking, and to say she mastered these skills IS putting it mildly. Life was forever changed for Donna when she met the most handsome man of her dreams while at the Ravenna Dance Hall. His name was Reed Whipple Best, and sparks flew right from the start. After dating for a time the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Peg and Reed were united in marriage on September 7, 1946, in Sullivan Township. Together they were blessed to welcome four children into their hearts and home: Paula, Dennis, Barbara, and Nancy. Spending time as a family was always a priority in the Best family. Together they camped all over Michigan including the U.P.and they also went to places such as Niagara Falls, Disney World, Cedar Point, and Nashville. There were memorable family reunions and the family attended Sullivan Community Church. Almost every night they enjoyed popcorn in addition to fudge, root beer floats, game nights, puzzles, and cards. Sunday dinners were a feast for the eyes as well as for the palette and often included beef roast and Pegs homemade cinnamon rolls that had No equal. Life was always a flurry of activity around Donnas home. Everyone took part in various household chores and cleaning the house, while Sundays spent with relatives were something they all looked forward to. The older children got a kick out of putting the littlest Best child, Nancy, in the bread drawer. Their many dogs, cats, and rabbits were also a part of the heartbeat of their home. Donnas kids always got a kick out of her saying, Im going to see a man about a horse, when she was headed out and didnt want to share where she was going. In addition to caring for her family, Donna kept busy with other things. She enjoyed outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, and she also loved playing cards and bowling. Peg even made it to Vegas at times including a memorable trip there with her grandchildren. She also played bingo, enjoyed antiquing, and loved taking care of her flowers. For several years Donna was a school bus driver for Ravenna Public Schools until she retired in 1987. She was thrilled to become a grandmother later in life, and she and Reed were known to take their grandchildren on tractor rides when they were able to spell store. Whatever they were doing together, Donna had a way of making each one of her grandchildren feel uniquely special, and no matter what she had going on she made time for them if they needed her. Her grandchildren also looked forward to homemade pies as well as her mac and cheese. During her retirement years Peg had more time for playing canasta with friends as well as her visits to the casino. Special friends including Cleora, Delores, Marva, Nettie, Barb D., and Vera were also vitally important to Donna. There was much to celebrate when Donna and Reed renewed their wedding vows for their 50th anniversary. Generous, caring, and loving are just a few of the words that come to mind when reflecting on the life of Donna Jean Best. Guided by her unwavering faith, her devotion to her family was unmatched. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Donna created a brilliantly colored mosaic of memories that will remain a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of her loved ones. Donna Jean "Peg" Best died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, July 12, 2013. Donnas family includes her son, Dennis (Linda) Best of Fruitport; daughters, Paula Bussing of Muskegon, Barbara (Tim) Huber of Fruitport, and Nancy (Jeff) Gieske of Spring Lake; 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Reed in 2005; brothers, Stanley, Robert, Clark, Axel, Stephen, Jack, and Max; and sisters, Kitty and Delores. Services will be held on Monday, July 15, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. John Romanosky officiating. Visit with Donnas family and friends on Sunday, 4-6 p.m. and Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.