Marita J. Donohue, age 71, of O'Fallon, born August 7, 1949, was granted eternal rest on December 26, 2020, at her home, with her family at her side.

Marita was a "native daughter" of Illinois, born in Murphysboro, moved to Collinsville, and passed away peacefully in her home in O'Fallon.  She graduated from Collinsville High School where she was first chair on the baritone, attended Jewish Hospital School of Nursing and became a nurse in 1970.  She worked at Jewish for two years before she met her future husband at the Air Force Academy.  They were married in 1972 at the Scott AFB chapel "in the round" and began the nomadic portion of her life. They moved around the country as the Air Force dictated, moving more than 15 different times in 26 years, but always returned to Collinsville to visit her parents before she finally returned to her Illinois roots in 2015.

She was a beloved wife, mother, and friend.  She was a loving wife, and she and her husband were part of the Air Force family for 26 years.  After leaving the Air Force, she and her husband spent 19 years in Virginia before finally returning to her Illinois roots.  She made every house or apartment a home, wherever the Air Force sent them.  She was a devoted mother who always put her family before herself.  Her oldest son was born in Kansas and her youngest was born in Indiana.  She enthusiastically supported her sons in every endeavor they attempted, and attended every event they participated in and taught herself the elements of a diverse set of activities – soccer, science fairs, writing contests, wrestling, baseball, lacrosse, and music.  She passed on her kindness and love of family to both of her sons.  She made friends wherever she and her family were stationed, even saving the life of one of her friends because of her medical knowledge.  She touched many lives through her varied career as a nurse in CCU, ICU, MICU, orthopedics, oncology, senior services, ocular plastic reconstructive surgery, a school nurse, ob-gyn, and even producing medical trial briefs for an attorney. The world was a better place because of her work.

"For over 48 years I had the honor of having her as my spouse.  I 'borrowed' her from almighty God, and he has called her home.  She has been His handmaiden and strove daily to serve Him.  While her family and I will miss her, we know she is in good hands with her Savior."

She was preceded in death by her parents Alden and Evelyn, nee Jones, Butcher.

Survivors include her loving husband Robert F. Donohue, Jr., of O'Fallon; her sons Todd P. (Wendie) Donohue, and Brian K. Donohue; granddaughter Evelyn Grace Donohue; brother Gordon (Sandra) Butcher; and nieces Melinda Butcher Dean and Kelli Butcher Huber.

In appreciation for their care and compassion, memorial donations are suggested to BJC Hospice, and may be mailed to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, IL 62269.

Please post a tribute, share a memory, and view a photo tribute at www.wfh-ofallon.com

As per her wishes, Marita will be cremated and her remains will be laid to rest at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery, in Colorado Springs, Colorado-  where she first met her husband.