Donna Mae Kuripla

     Donna Mae Kuripla passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the age of 98. She was born in Clinton County, Michigan on November 5, 1927, the daughter of Edgar and Eleanor (Fernholz) VanElls. Donna will be lovingly remembered for the warmth she stitched into everything she touched. Her hands were rarely still—carefully piecing together beautiful quilts, crocheting cozy afghans, and crafting handmade slippers that became treasured gifts for family and friends. Each stitch carried her care, patience, and quiet generosity, wrapping loved ones in comfort long after they left her home.

     She lived her life with a steady spirit and remarkable vitality. Even into her late nineties, Donna could be found out on her daily walks, covering two to three miles with a determination that inspired everyone who knew her. Those walks were a reflection of her enduring strength and her appreciation for the simple, steady rhythms of life.

     Donna’s strength was truly unmatched. Throughout her life, she faced countless ups and downs with her health, yet time and again, she emerged from each challenge even stronger than before. Her unwavering determination and resilience were sources of inspiration for all of us. We admired her strong will and the grace with which she navigated life's trials. Her spirit will forever remind us of the power of perseverance and the importance of facing adversity with courage and hope.

     She was a vibrant presence in our lives, known not only for her love and warmth but also for her quick wit and playful spirit, especially during our cherished family card games of euchre. Donna had a unique way of adding laughter to every gathering. During many lively games, if she found herself losing, she would forever reassure us all with her classic line, “First game is the baby’s game.” And if hope lingered in the air, we could count on her boldly declaring, “Sicker calves have lived,” a testament to our undying optimism. One Thanksgiving, amidst the competition of an intense card match, we were reminded of her sharp humor when after the familiar phrase was spoken, Donna quickly responded, “And some of them have died, too!” This spontaneous comeback sent us all into fits of laughter, and since then, we’ve embraced her playful spirit by using her new phrase in her honor.

     Her love for others was perhaps most evident in her kitchen. Donna was known for her comforting, home-cooked meals—especially her homemade stuffed cabbage, her beloved knefflie noodles, and pots of soup that seemed to warm both body and soul. Gathering around her table meant more than just a meal; it was an experience filled with love, tradition, and the feeling of being truly cared for.

    After staying home and raising her children, Donna went to work at Federal Mogul in St. Johns. Later in her life, she operated a beauty shop in her home that would bring her joy and company for many years.

     Above all, Donna’s legacy is one of warmth, resilience, and love—woven into every quilt, every step she took, and every moment shared with those lucky enough to know her.

     Donna is survived by her five children: Beth Knight of Lansing, MI, Janet (Bill) Mascarenas of New Mexico, Judy (Roy) Musall of Higgins Lake, MI, Doug (Janice) Kuripla of Idaho, and David (Starr) Kuripla of Florida. She has 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Donna loved being “Triple G” to Tucker & Brynn, having 5 generations made her so proud. She is also survived by three sisters, Thelma Miller of St. Johns, Dorothy Witt of DeWitt MI, and Helen Zezza of New Jersey. As well as one brother James VanElls of Florida and one sister-in-law Peggy VanElls. Donna is preceded in death by her husband Charles Kuripla, one daughter, Barbara, and daughter-in-law Becky Kuripla. As well as five sisters: Arlene Walling, Alice Gallagher, Josephine Rogers, Ruthie Hufnagel and Rita Thelen and five brothers, Dale Patrick, William, Lawrence Thomas, Richard, and Michael VanElls

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, with a Vigil Service being prayed at 7:00 p.m.

     Donna’s family would like to thank the caring and dedicated staff of Gunnisonville Meadows Senior Assisted Living for providing a great place for her to live the last year and a half.

     Memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, 1009 S. US-27, St. Johns, MI 48879 or St. Joseph Catholic School, 201 E. Cass St., St. Johns, MI 48879. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.