Donna Ethel-Belle Gay Grilley, 85, of Great Falls died Wednesday, April 17, 2013, of natural causes. 

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Croxford Funeral Home in Great Falls.

Donna was born March 18, 1928, to Donald and Virl (Woodard) Gay, in Hillsdale, Mich. She was raised and educated in Monroe, Mich. She graduated from high school in 1946. 

She married Robert Grilley in 1950. She worked as a teacher’s aide in Jeffrey City, Wyo., and in later years, as a homemaker and mother.

She enjoyed picnics in the mountains, walks and gardening. She also enjoyed going to church and celebrating her faith in God. She loved time with her family and her dog, Annie.

She is survived by daughter Ruth (Drew) Uecker and son Paul (Daphne) Grilley of Great Falls; brothers Michael (Cathy) Murphy of Denver, Colo., and Bruce (Joyce) Gay in Box Elder, S.D.; grandchildren, Josh, Shawna, Dylan, Jerrin, Kalei and Journey; great-grandchildren Josh, Carter and Kimber.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert.

Memorials are suggested to be sent to Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, 1100 4th St. South, Great Falls, Mont., 59405.

Condolences may be shared at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com