Donna Jean Phoenix

MISSOIULA ~ Donna Jean (Rardon) Phoenix, 88, of Missoula, passed away peacefully at Providence St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

Donna was born in Galena, Illinois and grew up in several locations throughout the Midwest. She was the oldest of three children and had attended Galena High School. She married Charles Eugene Phoenix in 1949 and they raised seven children in New York until 1971 when they moved their family to Arlee, Montana. They lived in Arlee until 1986 at what time they moved to Missoula. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Donna was devoted to the Catholic Church and spent 25 years tirelessly working for the rights of unborn children.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband; one son, John Anthony; one grandson, Timothy Daniel Kieninger; one brother, Jack Rardon and one sister, Roseanne Perrone.

Surviving are six children, Heather Phoenix, Laurel and William Kieninger, Mary and Kerry Doney, Theresa and Dennis Struck, Alice Phoenix and Todd Nottingham and Thomas Phoenix and Dorothy Miller; along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Missoula. Father Steve Lantry will be the Celebrant. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2020 at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula with a recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. At Donna’s request, the family will have a private burial at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to CareNet Pregnancy Support Center of Missoula, 1515 Fairview Avenue, Suite 250, Missoula, Montana 59801

To express condolences online, please visit www.gardencityfh.com