Donna R. Bomers

Although there were numerous experiences that Donna Bomers treasured throughout her life, there was nothing that was more near and dear to her heart than the loved ones she cherished. The way before her was not always easy, but she carried herself with a quiet strength coupled with an unwavering faith that were an inspiration to all who knew her. Donna was a loving wife and devoted mother who selflessly cared for her loved ones when they needed her most. Life will never be the same without her here, but her loved ones find comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with loved ones in her eternal home. The Roaring Twenties brought us some of the most vibrant days we have ever seen as a nation. Innovation fueled countless changes that transformed the way we lived our daily lives. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1928 that was filled with numerous noteworthy events. This was the year that we met Mickey Mouse, saw the first film in vibrant color, and cheered when Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. This same year was filled with abundant joy for a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts on February 11th in their family home. Donna Ruth was the second of six children born to her parents, Jack and Dorothy (Fisher) Brace, and she was raised in the family home on Allen Avenue in Muskegon alongside her older sister, Elsa, and her younger siblings, Delores, Barbara, Lois and Jack. Her father worked as a realtor while her mother was a busy homemaker. In many ways Donna experienced a typical upbringing. She enjoyed roller skating and ice skating at the Mart Docks in downtown Muskegon. Donna was a student at local schools including Angel Elementary. She went on to Muskegon High School as a young teen. In addition to holding down her studies in high school, Donna worked at a local soda fountain. She was a member of Fifth Reformed Church, which she would call her church home throughout her entire life. Not to be forgotten during her formative years was Donnas introduction to the boy with whom she would spend a lifetime of love. His name was Gerald Bomers, and they became good friends when they were young kids. By the year 1945, their relationship grew more serious, and they began dating. Their relationship continued to blossom over the three years that followed, and together they had numerous fun times. With a desire to establish a life together, Donna and Gerald were married in 1948 at Fifth Reformed Church. The newlyweds initially settled into a home on Dykstra Road. Donna worked as a switchboard operator for General Telephone while Gerald worked for Canada Dry. Together they were blessed with four children, Dave, Diane, Gerald Jr., and Julie, although they mourned the loss of Diane when she was just three days old. In 1954 they moved their growing family to a new home at 1152 Fleming in Muskegon where numerous priceless memories were made. Sundays were a special day to spend together, and they usually involved a big afternoon meal after church, peaceful afternoon drives, afternoon popcorn, and ice cream after church in the evening. The Bomers family also enjoyed a memorable vacation to Niagara Falls in 1962 as well as a trip to the Upper Peninsula in 1963. Donna had fantastic cooking and baking skills, which were things her family truly appreciated. She remained close with her brother and sisters, and they frequently got together on Friday nights for their family night. In addition to caring for her family, Donna kept busy in other ways. She spent several years working at Grossmans Department Store. Donna later began working at Anesthesia Associates of Muskegon, where she remained until she retired in 1990. A lifelong member of her church, she spent several years singing in the choir as music was always something that she enjoyed. As someone who loved camping, she stayed at several state parks. Donna and Gerald were also part of a camping club called Dragon Wagons and went on many trips with the OV Travelers group. Over the years they traveled extensively all over the nation in their motorhome. Life was not without challenges for Donna. In 1962 she was deeply saddened with the sudden death of her father, and her mother died 12 years later in 1974. In January of 1972 Donna faced something that no mother ever hopes to experience as Julie was struck by a car and seriously injured. Julies recovery was intense over the three months that followed, and it was Donna who took care of her at home after her extended hospital care. Trying times were in store for Donna and her family with the death of her grandson, Stephen, in 1988. A true nurturer at heart, Donna cared for Gerald after he suffered a stroke in 1995. It was shortly thereafter, in 1997, that she and her husband moved to a new home at 1830 Kings Court, which brought them much closer to church as Donna was not only involved in the choir but also in their RCWM guild and coffee break ministries. Their new home was also closer to their daughter, Julie. In 2006 Donna was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved husband. She began dealing with her own declining health in 2008, which was a bit of a struggle. Just this past March Donna faced the death of her son, Jerry. One of the greatest joys in Donnas life was becoming a grandmother to her first grandchild, Holly, in 1980. Holly was later followed by six more grandchildren including Shawn, Brent, Seth, Bethanie, Jerry III, and Jim. Donnas family tree later grew to include eight great-grandchildren: Kalista, Shawn Jr., Isabella, Wyatt, Vivianna, Laney, Olivia, and Addison. Donna Bomers will be remembered as a caring, generous, and wise woman with unending love for her family. She was a hard worker who was selfless in caring for her loved ones. As her family and friends can attest, Donna was one of the most organized people around, and she was amazing at handling the finances, too. Her strong faith was a cornerstone in her life, which also served as a witness to others. Donna will be deeply missed while her memory remains a lasting treasure for years to come. Donna Ruth Bomers died on Thursday, December 5, 2013. Donnas family includes her son, David Bomers of Muskegon; daughter, Julie (Paul) Dratz of Muskegon; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brother, Jack (Marcia) Brace of West Olive; sisters, Barb Essenberg of Muskegon, Lois (Charles) Byer of Norton Shores; brothers-in-law, Dick Swords of Muskegon and Don (Arlene) Bromley of Whitehall. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, Sr.; son, Gerald, Jr.; daughter, Diane; grandson, Stephen; sisters, Elsa Bromley and Delores Swords; brother-in-law, Ken Essenberg. Services will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Fifth Reformed Church with Rev. Paul Burmeister officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Monday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Fifth Reformed Church.