DONNA TUFF (BUTLER)
Our loving mother, mother-in-law, grandma, and aunt, joined her husband, sister, parents, and other loved ones in eternal life on February 2, 2023, at the age of 88. Born at home in Santa Ana, CA on June 18, 1934, when Orange County was still predominantly farmland, she often reflected on how much she enjoyed picking and eating fresh lima beans and inhaling the sweet scent of the orange blossoms. When still a young girl she moved to Ontario with her family, graduating in 1952 from Chaffey High, as did both of her sons, 31 and 33 years later. In 1959 she married Robert Tuff, with whom she raised a family, which to Donna, always required a dog. A job opportunity for Robert prompted a move to Bullhead City, AZ with their two young sons and Weimaraner “Maggie”. Donna loved the desert thunderstorms and the opportunity to shoot cans with her dad’s .22 rifle after just a short drive away from town. Another job offer for Robert brought Donna and family back to San Bernardino County to stay in 1972, this time to Upland where they adopted a Cockapoo – “Spot”. As appropriate for an avid reader, Donna volunteered at the Citrus Elementary School Library, where both of her sons attended, and later worked for several years at the Upland Public Library, making lifelong friends in the process. As empty-nesters, Donna and Robert moved to Rancho Cucamonga in 1987 and added “Nellie” (a Jack Russell Terrier) to the family. In retirement, Donna saw the world with her traveling buddies – Iceland, Scotland, Wales, Alaska, France, Washington, D.C., Austria, Russia, Ukraine, Costa Rica, Expo 86 in Vancouver, BC, etc. What she enjoyed most however was her role as Grandma. She could not speak of her grandchildren without giggling; nearly bursting with love and pride. She was also a generous and supportive friend to her two daughters-in-law (Carolyn and Yvonne), whom she loved dearly. In her final years, Donna resided with Robert at Plymouth Village Retirement Community in Redlands, volunteered to work in the campus library of course, and gleefully oversaw the purchase of countless new books she felt the other residents would enjoy. She is survived by her two sons (Jim and Brian), her five grandchildren, and dozens of nieces and nephews with whom she enjoyed very loving relationships. A memorial for Donna will be held at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E. Washington St. in Colton at 10AM March 11th. Interment will be with her husband Robert at Riverside National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in honor of Donna and Robert to the Plymouth Village Team Member Appreciation Fund (909-255-7517 or Valerie.sponheom@humangood.org for information).