Valinda L. Donovan's Obituary
Valinda Lea Donovan left us for her final resting place on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Proceeded in death by her father Conrad "Buzz” Sawyers. She is survived by her husband, William “Tim” Donovan, mother Joann S. Leuders, son, Ryan Kenneth Dixon and wife, Tara Alyse Dixon, step-son, Patrick Donovan and grandchildren Rhett Pryor and Tatum Rae. Valinda was born in Montgomery Alabama in November of 1954 and spent her childhood both stateside in Minnesota, Alabama, and Washington and abroad in Spain, France, and Japan while her family served in the United States Military. In the early 1970’s, Valinda settled in Florida and attended Junior College. She found success in her work as a banker where she eventually earned herself the position of Vice President of Regions Bank.
Valinda loved the holiday seasons. Shopping was one of her favorite pastimes with her mother Joann, especially when it came to finding the perfect gifts for her loved ones. She would set her table with fine china and beautifully folded cloth napkins. Tradition was important to her and it was clear to all who knew her, that she found joy in the little things that made holidays so special for her family. She found such beauty and joy during the holiday season that she and her husband Tim were married at Christmas time. With an intimate ceremony at their home, Valinda and Tim exchanged vows and celebrated amongst close friends and family in December 1998.
Above all else, Valinda was dedicated to being a loving wife, mother, daughter and grandmother. She was a thoughtful and caring mother, full of love for her only son Ryan for whom she would have given the world. Valinda’s best moments in life came when Ryan married and started his family with his wife Tara. Valinda cared for their first born, Rhett until he began preschool. She adored Rhett and was thrilled when Ryan and Tara brought her granddaughter Tatum into this world in November of 2023. Although their time on earth together may have been brief, the depth of Valinda’s love for Tatum was great. Those close to her knew that there was nothing Valinda loved more than her family and grandchildren.
Although taken too soon, Valinda left her loved ones with an incredible legacy of love to hold in their hearts and traditions to keep her memory alive for years to come.
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