Hometown: Maquoketa, Iowa May 28, 1938 - November 30, 2014

Donna Jean Sutton, 76, of Maquoketa, IA, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2014 in Maquoketa after a courageous battle with cancer. Her Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Friends and family may call on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. with the Rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m. by Catholic Daughters of America, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Lahey Funeral Home is assisting the family. Donna Jean was born on May 20, 1938 to parents Max and Frances (Watters) Hovey in Jackson County, Iowa. She graduated with the class of 1957 from St. Joseph's High School in DeWitt, Iowa. Jean worked for Iowa Mutual Insurance in DeWitt. She then met the love of her life, Jim. Jean was united in marriage with James S. Sutton on May 23, 1959 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in DeWitt. She worked for Kelley's Tax, Schoenthaler, Bartelt & Kahler and later as an executive secretary for Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She also helped on the Sutton Family farm, north of Maquoketa. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters, Court St. Raphael and held the past offices of Treasurer and Regent President. She was also a Franciscan Associate, Eucharistic Minister, taught CCD, Choir Director, and the Liturgy Committee. Jean played the organ for many occasions. She was involved in many civic organizations, Meals on Wheels, Precinct Leader for Election Votes, 4-H Leader of Emeline Cheerful Homemakers, and judged at the Jackson Co. Fair. Jean enjoyed attending her grandchildren's athletic events and cattle shows, and playing various board games. She liked to spend time knitting, crocheting and hosting family gatherings. She liked to play piano, read, garden, fish and all outdoor activities. She enjoyed traveling, especially road trips with the "Girls Group" and spending her winters in Arizona with family. The highlight of her day was conversing with her grandchildren and keeping them in line and playing challenging scrabble games with her daughter, Jody. Jean is survived by her daughter, Jody Sutton of Dubuque, IA, Daughter-in-law, Johnna Sutton of Maquoketa, grandchildren; Alesha (Chris) Hjelmgren of Mason City, IA, Isaac, Erica and Evan Sutton all of Maquoketa, sisters; Frances "Kay" Tooker of Eagle Point, OR and Beverly (Charles) Trimble of Superior, AZ, brothers; Max (Bonnie) Hovey and Phillip (Judith) Hovey both of DeWitt, and sister-in-laws; Karen Hovey of St. Cloud, MN. and Judy Hovey of Eldridge, IA She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her son, James "Jamie" Sutton, parents and mother-in-law, Florence Sutton, brothers; Robert and Donald Hovey, and her great-granddaughter, Destiny Hjelmgren. Jean led a faith-filled life. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.laheys.com