Donna Faye Bennett, age 80, of Hudsonville, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 4, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, cherished memories, and countless people who were blessed to know her.

Donna was born in Tad, West Virginia, to Wilbur and Ruth Kinder, and grew up as the youngest daughter in a large family of seven children. Her father worked in the coal mines, and she spent many years of her childhood in the rugged, mountainous "Mountain State" nestled in the heart of the Appalachian region.

When Donna was 14 years old, her family moved to Michigan. She graduated from Godwin Heights High School and later began working at Keeler Brass. It was there that she met Tom while working for her future father-in-law. Their relationship grew deep, and on June 22, 1968, Donna and Tom were married.

For 58 years, Donna and Tom were inseparable. They were not only husband and wife, but truly best friends. Together, they built a life centered around family, friendship, laughter, and love.

Donna later became deeply involved with the Golden G’s scholarship program alongside former classmates from Godwin Heights High School. She and her classmates worked tirelessly to provide financial assistance to students so they could continue their education at the college level. Helping others was simply part of who Donna was.

Donna had an open-door policy for family and friends alike. Her home was a place where people knew they were welcome, and her heart was always open to anyone who needed a listening ear, a little encouragement, or simply someone who cared. She was an exceptionally good listener with a deeply sympathetic soul. She was incredibly giving and had a genuine ability to see the best in everyone.

Donna gave her whole heart to the people she loved. She treasured family nights filled with food, fun, games, and laughter. Family vacations were a regular part of their lives, creating countless memories and stories that would be told and retold for years to come.

She was present for every sporting event, hobby, school event, and milestone involving her children and grandchildren. She showed up—not just physically, but with her whole heart. Her family always knew they could count on her.

Donna was tremendously loved by her family and had an equally treasured circle of longtime friends and supportive neighbors. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel cared for, valued, and accepted. Her kindness was genuine, her love was unconditional, and her presence made a difference in the lives of so many.

Just this year Donna was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother. Her newest and most beloved role as “Granna Great” to Baby Stetson Tiffany brought her tremendous joy and was a role she held especially dear.

Donna will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband and best friend of 58 years, Thomas Bennett; daughters, Khristy (Robert) Hansen and Cindy (Joe) Arbutante; granddaughters, Breanna (Austin) Tiffany, Karlista (Connor) Taylor, Addison Hansen (Alyssa Buren), and Kylee Arbutante; her beloved great-grandson, Baby Stetson Tiffany; honorary daughter, Shannon Sullivan; sisters and brothers, Roslyn Huizenga, Wilbur Jr. (Evie) Kinder, and Clarence (Marilyn) Kinder; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Arla Bennett; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, and a very supportive neighborhood family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Ruth Kinder; sister Marianne Kinder; sister Emma and brother-in-law Vincent Papa; sister Ruth and brother-in-law Leon Bibbs; and brother-in-law Larry Huizenga.

Donna leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves behind the lessons of a life lived with an open heart, a willingness to help others, and an unwavering devotion to family. She showed those around her what it meant to love deeply, forgive easily, give generously, and always look for the good in others.

Her absence will be deeply felt, but the love she gave so freely will continue through the family and friends she cherished so dearly.

A Celebration of Donna’s Life will be held on Friday, November 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hager Park DeVries Room. Family and friends are invited to come together to share stories, memories, laughter, and love in honor of a woman who gave so much of herself to everyone around her.