Donna Simko
March 7, 1951 — June 7, 2011
Donna Simko, 60, wife, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, friend, died on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. She was a life-long homemaker who loved doing anything that made someone elses life better. She invested herself in her family, her church family and friends, and was always involved in helping others have fun and enjoy life. She loved outdoor activities such as gardening, camping, cycling, and anything involving water. Her family, especially her grandchildren, were her biggest priority with attention to her loving pets a close second. She was born March 7, 1951 to Fred M. Luther and Myla J. Luther in Dayton Ohio. She married Stephen D. (Darrell) Simko on August 17, 1971 and together they raised 3 children. They were blessed with eight grandchildren (another due in August) later on and they became the center of her life. Her early years were spent growing up in Dayton, Ohio, but after marriage, she and her family lived in a number of places due to Steves job moves. She especially loved Texas, but dreamed of being able to retire with him to a relatively remote cabin like location in the Ozark Mountains near Tablerock Lake, her favorite vacation spot. She was a devoted wife who supported her husband in all endeavors, even as a pastors wife later in their marriage. She loved music, and especially enjoyed Il Divo, Josh Groban, Susan Boyle, Sarah Brightman, and others. She had a real love for water and enjoyed visits to inland lakes and took numerous Carnival Cruises. She loved reading and Bible Study, and was involved in leading ladies in Beth Moore enrichment studies and other activities to help them grow in their walk with the Lord. She had the misfortune to be diagnosed with colon cancer in mid-2006, underwent surgery and post-op chemotherapy, but after a period of inactivity, the disease returned in August of 2009. Those ensuing months were consumed with numerous chemo cycles, additional surgeries, and radiation. Through it all she remained upbeat and positive and was a true witness to all who knew her. She will be sorely missed by a loving and grateful family and countless friends and acquaintances. Donna is survived by her husband, Steve of San Antonio; son, Steve Jr. & wife, Tammy of League City, TX; daughter, Laurie Edge & husband, David of Springfield, MO; daughter, Stacy Barrow & husband, Terrell of League City, TX and 8 grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by a brother, Jerry Luther & wife, Nora of Garland, TX; brother, Fred Luther of Houston, TX and brother, Glenn Luther & wife, Jan of Santa Fe, TX. A time of visiting and reflecting will be held at Parkhills Baptist Church, 17747 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX, at 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 11, 2011, with a Memorial Service to follow at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to: American Cancer Society.
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