Murphys, CA…Donna L. (Keeney) Rivers April 28, 1931 ~ August 31, 2026 (age 95). Donna L. (Keeney) Rivers, 95, passed away August 31, 2026, at Sonora Care Center (formerly Avalon) in Sonora, California.
Donna was born April 28, 1931, in Hayward, Wisconsin, to Steve and Olga Wheeler. In 1947, she moved to Murphys, California, with her sister, Joyce (Wheeler) Tanner. She graduated from Bret Harte High School, Class of 1950.
Donna married Errol A. Keeney and raised three children: Gary (Mary) ; Julie (Mark) Collins and Jeri (Steve) Volk of Murphys, In 1974, Donna and Errol, along with others, purchased Fricot City, CA. After Errol died in 1975 Donna remained involved with the city until the 1980s.
In 1982, Donna married Lloyd Rivers, and they returned to Murphys, where they shared 44 years together.
Donna had a long and varied working life, including employment with Needle Packing, the U.S. Postal Service in Hathaway Pines, Freeman’s Pharmacy, Murphys Pharmacy, and Middleton’s Hallmark, retiring at age 81.
Donna loved her family, Church family, friends, and the Murphys community. She was a faithful members of Vallecito Church, & 16 year member Murphys/Angels Lions Club, and enjoyed anything art – fabric, paint, cooking.
She was resilient; whatever was thrown at her she adapted, with resourcefulness, and marched forward, get on with life. She welcomed many people into her family through love, regardless of whether they were related or not.
She was a proud mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, blessed to reach five generations. Her grandchildren include Angie, Kris, Eric, Wyatt, Zachariah, Andrea ,9 plus Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandchild, Milani.
Donna will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, family & and the many people whose lives she touched. Memorial will be announced at a later date. Any question please mail to Jeri Volk at 560 E Hwy 4, Murphys, CA 95247
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna L. Rivers, please visit our floral store.
Donna L. (Keeney) Rivers 1931 ~ 2026 (Updated) added by admin on
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I am absolutely heartbroken to hear about the passing of Donna Rivers. Having known Donna for many years, and having had the privilege of working alongside her for five years at Middleton, I can truly say she was one of the kindest and most wonderful women I have ever met. To me, Donna was so much more than just a colleague; she was like a “work mom”. She always looked out for me, offered a guiding hand, and brought so much warmth to the workplace. Even though I hadn’t seen her in a long time, she lived a long, beautiful life, and her memory will be forever with me. I will deeply miss her spirit and the warmth she brought into my life.
Rest in peace Donna.
Thank you Jenn for the kind words, that sounds like my mom alright. yes may she rest in peace.