Donna Lee (Towell) Renken

DONNA RENKEN

GRAFTON – Donna Lee Renken, 56, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 22, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.  

She was born on August 24, 1968, in the The Dalles, Oregon and was the daughter of Jan and Aleta (Weed) Towell.

On November 7, 1987, Donna married the love of her life, Anthony Renken, in Jerseyville, Illinois. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and family, which Donna cherished above all else. She rejoiced in being a devoted wife, mother to daughter Jenna, and doting grandmother to her beloved granddaughter, Chloe, who was truly the light of her life.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 30 years ago, Donna faced her illness with incredible strength and resilience. Even as the disease progressed, taking away her ability to walk and other freedoms over the last eight years, she relied heavily on her faith and her family to sustain her.

Her unwavering devotion to the Lord remained her foundation, and she leaned on the love and support of her family during life’s most difficult moments.

A lifelong believer, Donna was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Grafton, where her heart for service shined through in her involvement with the church camp. She loved working with the children, sharing her kindness and faith, and creating lasting memories for everyone she touched. Her generous spirit and giving personality touched many lives, and she was a beloved part of the church community.

Surviving are her mother, Aleta Towell of Grafton; her husband, Tony Renken of Grafton; her daughter and son in-law, Jenna and Jon Martin of Alton; her precious granddaughter, Chloe; along with many cherished friends and extended family members. They will forever remember her for the way she centered her life around her faith and her family, and for her remarkable strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Per her wishes, no visitation will be held. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.

Burial will follow at Noble Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given the First Baptist Church of Grafton Camp, a cause that was so close to her heart.

Donna’s legacy of love, faith and strength will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Memories may be shared with her family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com 

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