Donna Dale Aafedt

Donna Dale Dunnigan was born September 5, 1931, in Calistoga, CA to William and Jessie (Hamner) Dunnigan. She was their only child. At a young age, they moved to Anaconda, MT where she attended elementary, junior, and senior high school, graduating in 1949.

She married Philip C. Thomas, and they had two sons, Phillip Kenneth Thomas, and Robert Lee Thomas. They later divorced. She then married Roy Aafedt in 1965 and they were married for 52 years.

Donna earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Montana College in 1963, graduating first in her class. She Zella Flores Cup which she received as the top female graduate. In 1975 Donna earned her master’s degree in education from Montana State University with high honors. She gained postgraduate credits from Northern Montana College, the University of Montana, and the University of Wyoming. Her teaching career started at Emerson School from 1963-1968, From there she went on to teach science at West Junior High School and North Middle School. After retirement, Donna continued to advance her education by supervising student teachers attending Montana State University and Northern Montana College.

Donna was active in many civic organizations. She held numerous offices in AAUW and in 1987 was the Educational Foundation Named Gift Honoree. She was the past secretary and finance chair of the Audubon Society. She volunteered as a Science Fair Judge, with the Humane Society and United Way. She was a master gardener and belonged to the Rainbow Garden Club. As an avid reader, she enjoyed many book clubs. She and Roy enjoyed a dinner club with friends for 41 years. For over sixty years she has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her son, Philip Kenneth (Holiday) Thomas; two grandchildren, Ross Thomas, and Taylor (Ethan) Hill; five great-grandchildren, Abby, Emma, Charlie Hill, and Mackenzie Hailey Thomas.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents: her stepfather; Emmett Harrington, Roy Aafedt, and her son, Robert Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to First Presbyterian Church and AAUQ or the Animal Foundation.

A Memorial Service will be held June 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. (1315 Central Avenue.)