Visitation: 2-3 p.m. May 17 at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Funeral to immediately follow, also in the funeral home, with Pastor Les Day officiating. Burial followed at Highlandville Cemetery.
Mary Ellen (Bolin) Donham, 94, of Nixa, died May 14, 2018, at Nixa Nursing & Rehab. Mary was born on Aug. 21, 1923, to Verna Bolin and Dorssie (McGinnis) Bolin.
Mary was united in marriage to Robert S. (Bob) Donham May 6, 1944. They were blessed with 71 years together. Mary loved taking care of Bob as his health failed, and did whatever she could to make him comfortable. Mary was a great cook—Bob always said she was the best. Mary and Bob lived on their farm in Highlandville, raising beef cattle, hogs and hay for their animals. They also owned a dairy farm and rehabbed houses, before people were familiar with the phrase, “flipping homes.” Mary loved to garden, can food, plant flowers and enjoyed God's blessings from her work. Mary and Bob worked hard together all their lives and loved living on the farm. In 2003, they moved to Nixa.
Mary and Bob enjoyed traveling after retirement and visited all 50 states, many on Sunny Land Tours.
Mary worked at the Armour Company during World War II, drying eggs to support the war effort. Mary later worked at Fasco Industries several years before retiring.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; parents Verna and Dorssie; brother Claude and wife Maxine; brothers-in-law and and sisters-in-law Chet & Jessie Doner and Lynn & Pat Page. Mary is survived by her brother, Roger and wife Betty Bolin; brother-in-law Richard (Colleen) Donham; and nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Mary was saved at an early age and was a member of Highlandville First Baptist Church. Mary loved her family and made many, many friends during her life. She was a blessing to all who knew her and will be missed so much.
Eugene and Phyllis Bolin would like to thank the Nixa Nursing & Rehab staff, as well as Regional Hospice for their care and compassion for Mary.
