Donnita Faye (Dilsaver) Henderson, the fourth child of Chester Earl and Doris Mildred (Fuller) Dilsaver, was born October 10, 1938 at Sargent, Nebraska. Donnita grew up on a ranch in Rock County and attended District 3 through the 8th grade, and then Rock County High School, graduating with the class of 1956.
On November 23, 1956, Donnita was united in marriage to Venneth O. Henderson at the Bassett Methodist Church in Bassett, Nebraska. The couple would be blessed with two children: Monica and Loren. After marriage, they made their home on a ranch in Rock County, and then moved to Tacoma, Washington, where they would make their home for 12 years. In 1976, they moved to Auburn, Nebraska.
While in Tacoma, Donnita began babysitting children. She continued to babysit when they moved to Auburn, and also worked at the Palmer House Motel for 17 years. After Venneth retired, the couple managed the Palmer House for 4 years.
Donnita attended several lady clubs while in Tacoma. In Auburn, she became a member of the Berean Church, being baptized in 2001. She belonged to the women’s bowling league, and enjoyed crafting, painting ceramics, quilting, and crocheting. Donnita loved visiting with friends, neighbors, and going to coffee, but her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
On November 26, 2020, Donnita was taken to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn. It was there that she passed away having reached the age of 82 years, 1 month, and 16 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Venneth, brothers Keith Dilsaver, Royce and wife Betty Dilsaver, and nephew Robert Lee Dilsaver.
Those left to mourn her passing, include her daughter and son-in-law Monica and Rob Baker of Auburn; son and daughter-in-law Loren and Connie Henderson of Humboldt; grandchildren Jacob (Danielle) Henderson of Humboldt, Sydney (William) Bebout of Nebraska City, Paula (Miles) Tegeler of Troy, IL; great-grandchildren Laney and Janney Henderson, Noah Bebout; step-great-grandchild Trinity Tegeler; twin-brother and sister-in-law Donald and Bev Dilsaver of Lincoln; sister-in-law Lucille (Dilsaver) Grandfield of Aurora; other relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be Saturday, December 5, 10:00 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial will follow in Sheridan West Cemetery near Auburn. Visitation will be Friday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00. Covid-19 restrictions, including masks, social distancing, and limited numbers will be in effect for the funeral and visitation.
Viewing of the funeral service will be available via Livestream at: https://livestream.com/accounts/13846112/events/9426685
Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers.