Donna LaVaun Blote 78 of Rapid City passed away Monday, June 7, 2021, at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

A memorial service will be 1:00pm Tuesday June 15, 2021, at Calvary Lutheran Church, with Rev. Becky Piper officiating. Burial will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.

Donna LaVaun (Braden) Blote, 78, was the daughter of Donald and Marvell (Schweppe). She was born June 23, 1942, in Miller, SD. At the time her family lived in Ree Heights, SD. They moved to Sturgis, SD in 1945. Life was simple and fun growing up in Sturgis. Donna's mother taught piano lessons to many children in Sturgis including Donna. She learned early and became quite a good pianist. Donna attended public school in Sturgis, where she graduated high school in 1960. During her school years, she was a Girl Scout, attending church and Girl Scouts camps. She was a 1 ^st chair trombone player for the Sturgis High School Band. She was also in the choir and accompanist on the piano for choir director Chuck Thielen. After high school, Donna earned her degree from the University of Wyoming graduating in 1964. She was a 4 ^th grade teacher at Robinsdale Elementary from 1964-2004. She served on the Board of Directors of South Dakota Education Association/NEA from 1988-2004. In May 2004, the mayor proclaimed a "Donna Blote Day" to honor her retirement and her 40-year teaching career. She shaped and guided the futures of more than 1000 children during her teaching career. She spent her summers working at the Rapid City dog racetrack as the concession's manager. She then became part owner of Marine Life in Rapid City and worked as the gift shop manager. Her family enjoyed her witty sense of humor. Her niece and nephew have fond memories of Aunt Donna taking them on fun adventures, behind the scenes at Marine Life, trips to Mt. Rushmore and a fun road trip across the border to Wyoming. She loved to travel, visiting family, and making good friends across the USA. She moved from her home in Woodridge to West Hills Village in 20017 until her death.

Donna is survived by her brother Charles "Chuck" (Connie) Braden, nephew Matt Braden, niece Dawn (Scott) Meyers, and her great niece Marissa Meyers all of Sturgis.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial has been established in Donna's name to Calvary Lutheran Church 5311 Sheridan Lake RD, Rapid City, SD 57702.