Donna Sue (Holleman) Rote

SANTA FE – Donna Sue Rote, age 64, passed away from this life on December 18, 2024.

Daughter of the late Edward Holleman of Cedar Lake, IN, and Nancy Bradke, stepdaughter of Jerome Bradke of Santa Fe, sister of the late Sandra Kay Roller (late James); and sister Christine (late David). She also leaves her local nephews, Andrew David Stone, Alexander James Roller (Staci), Jeremy David Stone (Alicia); and great-nephew, Isaiah David Stone; Christian David Stone of Abilene and David Kade Reece Stone. She also leaves many relatives in other states including uncles, Stephen P. DeYoung (Cheryl), aunt, Carolyn Willett (late H. Garret DeYoung and late James), uncle, John Holleman (Christine), aunts, Elaine Holleman (late Garret) and Carroll (late Junior) and numerous cousins and friends.

Donna was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 28, 1960. Over time, the family relocated to Jenison, MI where she enjoyed boating, water skiing and snowmobiling. She was an extremely active child and adult. Even after being diagnosed with scoliosis as a child, that didn’t slow her down a bit. She was a cheerleader in High School but after graduation, Donna joined the United States Navy – following in many of her family members’ footsteps. While in the Navy, Donna had the opportunity to study photography in Pensacola, FL and was later stationed in San Diego, CA where she met her husband, Richard. They enjoyed planning weekend trips when possible, pulling their dune buggies to the desert with their home-made camper pickup truck. After the passing of her husband, Donna relocated to Santa Fe where she lived with her nephew Alex and sister, Sandy, helping to care for her before her passing in 2020.

Soon after that time, Donna and her sister, Chris, took several trips to the west coast together which created a bond between the two that was unbreakable. Donna was a free spirit who loved the open road. She purchased a teardrop trailer equipped with a kayak on top, a collapsible tent inside, and a bike on the back. She loved traveling, especially to National Parks.

We will always remember Donna’s exuberance, storytelling, weird and strange thoughts, questions and ideas. Also, her absolute INABILITY to have a bad picture taken of herself. Donna enjoyed all that life had to give. She was a memorable woman, who will be deeply missed by those who knew her. Godspeed, Donna.

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