Donna Boyd

Donna Sue Boyd, 70, a lifelong resident of Springfield, MO, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2026. She was born July 11, 1955, to Vestal and Maxine Cardwell.

Donna graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1973 and was married shortly after. Her daughter, Elissa Kay Stewart, was born in 1976, and in 1978 she had a son, Steven Andrew "Drew" Stewart. Donna loved being a mother, and everyone knew how proud she was of her kids. She never missed a game or competition and often brought snacks and drinks for all of the kids, not just hers. Donna was the "PTA" mom, the "homeroom" mom, and the mom that the teachers knew they could count on to show up and help out.

In 1997, Donna married Gary Wayne Boyd. She gained two bonus children through this marriage. Gary and Donna weren't just husband and wife, they were also best friends. They loved spending their time together, cuddled up on the couch watching old movies, traveling, or finding great little hole-in-the-wall cafes with amazing food. The "what" never really mattered as long as they were doing it together.

Donna was employed as a paraprofessional in the Springfield Public School system for many years. She had a heart for helping children, and she was a blessing in many classrooms throughout her life. She also became the "go to" person for school staff when a substitute was needed. Everyone knew that they could count on her to make their life a little easier. Donna made many, many lifelong friends during this time.

After retiring from SPS, Donna took a position at Kringles, where it was Christmas all year round. She loved Christmastime. She loved all of the lights and decorations, but most of all she loved being able to spend time with her family.

Donna enjoyed attending church, beach vacations, good chocolate, and a cold Dr. Pepper. She was always kind but could deliver perfectly timed sarcasm when the opportunity arose. She loved to play the piano and sing or sing along as Gary played guitar. Music remained her companion right up until the end of her life. As words began to fail her, she would sing instead and always enjoyed when someone joined in.

Donna delighted in being a mother to her children, a wife to her husband, and MiMi to her grandchildren. She was loved dearly and will be remembered fondly by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Larry Snider.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Boyd; her children, Elissa Stewart and Drew (Colonie) Stewart; her bonus daughters, Jana (Jeremy) Thrasher and Jessa Cathey; her grandchildren, Seth, Kinley, and Sam Ford, Miranda, Barrett, and Preston Thrasher, and TJ and Levi Cathey; her sister Brenda Snider; nephew, Dearld (Amber) Snider; great nieces, Avery (Grant) and Riley; her dear friend, Marilyn Johnston; and many other family members and friends.

A Visitation will be held Thursday, May 28th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, 2026 W Woodland St Springfield, MO 65807. Graveside services will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, May 29, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S Southwood Springfield, MO 65804.