Obituary – Donnie Adams
Donnie Dean Adams passed away peacefully at his home near Mt. Ayr, Iowa, on July 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 22, 1947, Donnie’s life was marked by quiet dignity, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to those he loved.
Raised in Ringgold County, Donnie’s early years were shaped by the values of family and community. He attended Country School through the 8th grade and graduated with the Mt. Ayr High School Class of 1965. Donnie went on to receive a CPA education in Omaha, Nebraska, an endeavor that spoke to his intellect and perseverance, even though he ultimately found purpose elsewhere. While attending school, he met his first wife Patricia Kay Nechodom, and they were married on February 24, 1968. The couple were blessed with 3 children: Kimberly, Laurie and Bobbie. They later moved to the farm that Donnie bought off his mother.
Donnie dedicated 31 years of his working life as the Maintenance man for the Lamoni Nursing Home in Lamoni, Iowa. While working at the nursing home, he met Roberta Smith and they were married in 1990 and later divorced. Though he never practiced accounting, his skill with his hands and his deep sense of responsibility earned him the respect and affection of coworkers and residents alike. As a side job, Donnie also did a lot of carpentry work and with every challenge faced and job completed, Donnie left a mark of reliability and kindness.
Away from work, Donnie was a man who treasured solitude and the gentle rhythms of nature. A very private individual, he found peace and fulfillment living on his beloved farm east of Mt. Ayr. There he could be found, most days, tending to his many flower gardens—spending endless hours nurturing blooms and creating beauty that family and friends admired.
Donnie’s greatest legacy lives on through his devoted family. He is survived by his daughters Kim (husband Larry) Overholser, Laurie Worley, his son, Bobbie (wife Angela) Adams; his life companion, Roberta Adams and her two daughters, Charity and Nicole; his grandchildren Jessica (husband Jesse) Shade, Jennifer (husband Roy) Kramer, Jaycee Worley, Maylee Adams, Craig Beavers, and Taylor Beavers; and his great-grandchildren Kayli, Adrianna, and Michael Shade, Hayden, Nevaeh, Kaden, Korbin, and Isabella Kramer. He is also fondly remembered by his brother Keith Adams, his sister-in-law Juanita Adams, his nieces and nephews, and many other loving relatives and friends.
Some loved ones welcomed Donnie on his final journey, including his father Emory Adams, mother Lucille (Helyer) Adams, brother Junior Adams, sister Verla Repp, sister-in-law Joyce Adams, and brother-in-law Bud Repp. The bonds Donnie held with each of them endure in memory and spirit.
Donnie’s gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. The patience and devotion he displayed—whether in the garden, at work, or within his family—leaves behind a legacy of love, simplicity, and steadfastness. His family and friends will remember him as a man whose actions spoke louder than words, who sought neither attention nor acclaim, but whose influence ran deep.
A Celebration of Life Services will be Saturday, August 1, 2026, 12:00PM – 2 p.m., at the American Legion, Post #172 in Mt. Ayr, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mt. Ayr Community Garden in C/O Kim Overholser, 1518 248th Street, Benton, IA 50835. In this time of loss, Donnie’s family takes comfort in remembering a life so quietly impactful, and in gathering to share their memories, gratitude, and love for the gentle soul that he was.
Rest peacefully, Donnie. Your kindness has sown the seeds of love that continue to bloom in all those who loved you.
