Donna Leah Hoskin

Donna Leah Hoskin May 20, 1932 – June 19, 2025

Donna Leah Hoskin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on May 20, 1932, in Covina, California, to Harry Arthur and Nellie Alt Miller, Donna was the second of three children and brought joy and light to all who knew her.

Donna’s family moved from Covina to Whittier where she graduated from Whittier High. During summer breaks from college, she spent many happy days working and playing along the sandy shores of Newport Beach and Corona del Mar with friends and family. Donna had a deep love for learning and earned her bachelor’s degree from UCLA, later channeling that passion into a successful career as a 5th grade and then junior high teacher. She had a remarkable gift for connecting with students, including those who were struggling, and made a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Donna’s life was one of grace, resilience, and love. She was the devoted mother of Randy, her son from a previous marriage. Later, she met and married the love of her life, Donald L. Hoskin, and together they built a beautiful blended family. Donna lovingly adopted Don’s two daughters, Elizabeth and Suzanne, embracing them as her own.

Her life was defined by service. Donna had a heart for the overlooked, often delivering treats and small acts of kindness to lift others. Her generosity and thoughtfulness made everyone around her feel seen and loved.

She was also known for her lively sense of humor and infectious laughter. A natural entertainer, Donna loved hosting themed parties, decorating her home with flair, and hunting for special treasures in every city she lived. Her home was always warm, inviting, and impeccably styled—like a model home filled with family and love. She adored gardening, especially tending to her roses, and her favorite flower was the fragrant gardenia—often gifted to her by Don. A lover of fashion, Donna had a signature style. She favored jewel tones and coordinated every detail of her outfits—from her shoes and handbags to her jewelry and accessories. She sparkled not just in appearance, but in spirit. Donna’s greatest accomplishment was found in being a mother. She loved her children and raised them with a strong work ethic, a love of life and laughter, an appreciation for order and cleanliness and a foundation of faithful discipleship. She made every holiday and birthday magical, with special family traditions her kids carry on to this day. At age 73, Donna began co-parenting her 3 ½ year-old grandson James, after his father, Randy became ill. When Randy passed, Donna and Don (now 79 and 86) became full-time parents of a 10 year old! Donna had the energy and commitment of a woman half her age and never faltered in her resolve to give James a good life and a solid foundation.

Central to Donna’s life was her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Her home reflected her devotion, adorned with pictures of the Savior and scripture verses. A dedicated gospel scholar, she immersed herself in the scriptures and the words of Church leaders, often quoting them from memory.

From February to July1986, Donna and Don served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Switzerland. From July 1986 to June 1989, Donna and Don presided over the Canada Vancouver Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They developed deep bonds with the missionaries they served with and have remained in touch with many of them throughout their lives. Donna was also a cherished Sunday School teacher—particularly of the Gospel Doctrine class at Church. Her deep gospel insights, paired with her humor and authenticity, drew large crowds to her lessons with many attending her class each week, eager to learn and laugh with her.

Donna is survived by her sister, Kathleen Zuments (George), her daughters Liz Elliott (Bill) and Suzy Plantamura (Tom), 12 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Donald L. Hoskin, her son Randy Adkins, her parents Harry and Nellie Miller and her brother, Clifton Miller. What a reunion they must all have had!

Donna lived a life of sacrifice, service, faith, and love. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at McArthur Funeral Home, 160 W 700 S, St. George, UT 84770.

A graveside service will follow on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N St E, Salt Lake City, UT 84103.