Donna Jean Lykins Brickey, affectionately known as DJ, Auntie, Memaw, Mom, Ditty, Grandma, Mrs. Brickey, and even Granny Green Bean, passed away peacefully at the age of 86, saying her final goodbye on Jan. 21, 2025. 

She was born on July 1, 1938, at home on Back Run in Lucasville, Ohio, the second of eight children to Louella (Jones) and Albert Lykins.

In her youth, Donna Jean helped out in her father's grocery stores, a trait that stayed with her throughout her life as she always made sure to take care of everyone around her. 

She was also a majorette and we were all fortunate to hear stories about her impressive baton twirling skills well into her adulthood. Donna Jean’s life took a new turn when she met Jim Brickey while in high school. They married on Nov. 20, 1955, and soon after, began a life of adventure together.

In 1961, Donna Jean and Jim moved to Rexford, Montana and later settled in Libby, Montana where they raised their family. DJ was a force to be reckoned with. As a stay-at-home mom, she somehow found the time to excel in bowling, race stock cars, participate in demolition derbies, learn how to golf, play catcher on her softball team and spend hours talking and shopping with her sister-in-law, Francis. She was always active, always involved and always ready for her next adventure.

After her own kids were grown some, Donna Jean began her long career as a bus driver for Harlow's, serving the community for 34 years. She drove the same route for her entire career. Many students passed through that narrow aisle of Bus #5; generations of students came and went with some former students even trusting her with their own children.

Upon retirement, Donna Jean became the biggest Libby Logger sports fan around. If there were cars in the high school parking lot, you could be sure DJ was there, front and center, cheering on the team.

Donna Jean was also a devoted long-time member of the Church of God. Throughout her life, her love for her family and community never wavered, though it’s safe to say her first love was always a good snack cake or ice cream—something she enjoyed with every bit as much passion as she did everything else in life.

She is survived by her children: Colleen Wruck of Harlowton, James Brickey Jr. of Stevensville, Mark Brickey of Libby, and Tara (Matt) Barry of Polson. Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren: Ryan (Crystal) Richard; Dustin (Tammi) Richards; Vanessa (Rob) Rauser; Cayla (Jeramiah) Rueb; Jenee (Casey) Paluso; Maree (Brenden) Hanson; Ceara Snyder and her partner Sean; Stu, Brook, Justin, and Logan Brickey; and Tristan Snyder. 

Donna Jean also leaves behind a large family of great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy: Madison, Cameron, Ashley, Dylan, Gabriella, Ethan, Odynn, Izabel, Cooper, Willow, Alyssa, Fletcher, Briella, Londyn, Xavion, Jaycee, Archer, Ethan, William, Colter, Seth, Ava, Scarlet, Lincoln, Sophie, Seeley, Emma, Warr and Eisley.

Donna Jean is also survived by her siblings: Bill (Helen) Lykins of Jackson, Ohio; Tom Lykins of Portsmouth, Ohio; Phillip Lykins of Minford, Ohio; and sisters, Linda Holbrook of Chillicothe, Ohio, and Carolyn Wheeler of Orient, Ohio. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters-in-law, Helen Brickey of Simms, and Francis Lykins of Liberty Lake, Washington; and brother-in-law, Bill Brickey of Choteau. She is also mourned by many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Donna Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Brickey; her sister, Judy Cole; and her brother, Leroy Lykins.

Donna Jean’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her, a vibrant, loving and fiercely independent woman who touched the lives of so many. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and unwavering devotion to family. We will miss her more than words can express.

To the dedicated and caring staff in the Sunshine Square at Valley View Home in Glasgow, Montana, we are forever thankful for the love and care provided while Donna Jean navigated her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. You are angels.

A viewing will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the Libby Church of God. 

Interment will follow the service at City of Libby Cemetery and a reception will follow back at the church. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.