Dona Ruth Macherey

Dona Ruth Macherey, born January 17, 1932 in Yankton South Dakota, grew up in Manitou Springs, Colorado, attended Denver University, and became a 3rd grade teacher. She moved to Winnetka, Illinois, met and married William Macherey on June 16, 1959, and had 4 sons, ending her teaching career, but not her teacher's spirit. She died in her home peacefully, as was her wish, on January 30, 2018. She died after a spirited struggle with cancer, and an equally spirited pursuit of her "bucket list." After being diagnosed, she postponed surgery to proceed with an already planned trip to Europe, including: France, Switzerland, and England, with her son Don, and his family, thus fulfilling a lifelong goal. Her grandchildren were very important to her and have also inherited her adventurer's spirit. She was thrilled to attend the wedding of her grandson, Jonathan, in Denver Colorado. She went flying in a small plane with her son, David, rode on the motorcycles of her sons, Bill and Jim, attended Christmas dinner at her son Don's house, and attended her 86th birthday party, with extended family, at a restaurant, under her own power, and in good spirits. She was an active member of many groups including Alcoholics Anonymous, The Red Hat Ladies, and the Senior's Card Playing Club. She made good use of the skills she learned in Alcoholics Anonymous not only in maintaining sobriety, which she did for over 14 years, but also in living her life, and facing her death. She practiced a concept called radical acceptance, and maintained a positive, peaceful composure even as her health was declining. She was very appreciative of everyone in her life, and remained quite humble, not realizing the impact she had on those around her. Her positive energy has infected many, and she will be greatly missed. Dona's funeral service will be 11am. Monday, Feb. 5,2018 at St. Andrews Catholic Church with the Rev. Michael Dineen officiating. Friends may call at the church from 9am to 11am. Betzer Funeral Home is serving the Macherey Family. Service Information Monday, February 5th, 2018 11:00am, St. Andrew Catholic Church 714 E Walworth Ave Delavan, WI 53115