In Loving Memory of Donna S. Galttana

1945 - 2024

Donna Sybil Elaine Thurman Galttana, 79, passed away in the early morning hours of
October 20, 2024, after having been surrounded by her family for the last ten days of her
life. Her final hours were spent with the love of her life and devoted husband, Billy.
Donna was born in Burleson, Texas on April 1, 1945, better known to her family as the
"National Holiday" to Samual Eli and Ethel Lucretia Earle Thurman. She attended Diamond
Hill/Jarvis High School where she graduated in 1963. She married Billy Edward Galttana on
June 28, 1963, one month after her graduation and was always proud that, in this day and
age, they made it 61 years of wedded bliss.
Donna was known for her strong personality and deep love for her husband, children,
grandchildren and great grandchildren, though she always stated that she wasn't a
"touchy-feely" kind of person. She chose to show her intense devotion in many other ways.
She cherished every moment spent with them and was the first to celebrate their
accomplishments and console them through hard times and tears. She was a fierce
defender of her family and would go to bat for any of them whether needed or not. Donna
was the glue that held the family together and the official holiday and birthday dinner
planner, always asking for the girls to bring her favorites, Kalan's homemade sugar
cookies, Celes's deviled eggs and green bean casserole. Tatiana was known as Mimi's
Little Helper and waited on her hand and foot, after arriving from Russia at the age of five.
Her daughter, Tonda, was never known as a cook and she didn't mind reminding everyone
at every event that the others would have to "pick up the slack." Donna never forgot a
birthday or holiday and made it a point to make sure everyone got a card and some cash to
buy whatever they wanted or needed.
Donna worked for 22 years at the Continental State Bank (now Wells Fargo) in Boyd, where
she served as an administrative secretary until her retirement. She never missed an
opportunity to give her family financial advice as well as to remind them to save. At that
time, she stayed abreast of the community happenings and loved to hear the small-town
gossip. She was proud of the fact that she only missed one game in all the years her
daughter played basketball.
Donna loved to do many things, but her favorite was taking day trips with her husband as
she took on the job of being his road navigator because they didn't have GPS in their SUV.
She was a competitive dominoes player and could do the "Yahtzee Dance" like no other.
Donna leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication that will not be forgotten by
those who knew her best. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends and all
who were touched by her honesty and generous spirit.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Billy, who provided life-long love,
incredible care and emotional support for the last few years of her life and illness; treating
her like the Queen Bee that she was; her daughter, Tonda, and her step-daughter, Sherry
(Jackie); several grandchildren, Celes Galttana, Kalan Richards (Josh), Tatiana Johnson
(Melody) as well as her step grandchildren Kelly, Candace (Robbie) and John (Erica); great
grandchildren Taylor, Kayla and Noah; her great-great grandchildren, Harley (her favorite
texting buddy) and John Jr. Davis and Dorothy Richards frequently spend time with her and
were the apple of her eye.
Donna is preceded in death by her beloved son, Blake Galttana, with whom she missed
every day and her grandson, Justin; her mother Ethel Geeo and stepfather H.A. Geeo; her
father, Eli Thurman, who passed when she was one; her sister, Gwen Lincoln and her
brother Charles Thurman; her very best and long-time friend, Gayle Applewhite Melton as
well as several other family members.
Donna was better know as Mimi and she was a force to be reckoned with her fiery red hair
that she hated. Mimi will be greatly missed. She said her goodbyes as well as planned her
own funeral from her bed at the hospital.
Special thanks to her Valor Hospice team for the wonderful care she received at the end of
her life; Pam Brown, chaplain who prayed with her daily; her RN nurses, Jennifer Shinn,
Jennifer Brown, Kyndall Owen and Christian Davis. She loved you all dearly.
Donna hated flowers after her son's death and didn't want any at her service. She chose
her songs, her outfit and what pictures and sentimental items to use. She requested that
only her immediate family attend her graveside service. As usual, even at the end, Mimi did
it her way.

Donna's graveside visitation will be held Friday, October 25 @ 9:00 AM, with the graveside funeral service beginning @ 10:00 AM located at Boyd Cemetery, 370 - 376 Cemetery Road, Boyd TX 76023.