Donna Leigh (Roberts) Verzwyvelt

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt remembrance that we announce the passing of Donna Leigh (Roberts) Verzwyvelt, who departed this life on November 4, 2024, in West Monroe, Louisiana, at the age of 79. Born on June 24, 1945, in Orange, Texas, Donna was the beloved daughter of Houston and Mildred Mae Sarber Roberts. She cherished her family and was a devoted homemaker, pouring love and care into every moment spent with them.

Donna’s life was a tapestry woven with the threads of kindness, creativity, and devotion. She was an excellent seamstress, known for her extraordinary talent in creating everything from intricate wedding gowns that captured the dreams of brides to cozy clothes that enveloped her grandchildren in warmth and love. Her passion for sewing provided her family with cherished memories and garments adorned with her skill and heart.

In addition to her remarkable work with fabrics, Donna had a genuine love for cooking, delighting in the art of preparing meals and gathering her family around the table. Each meal was more than just a time to eat; it was a celebration of love and togetherness, where laughter echoed and stories were shared.

A proud member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Natchitoches, Donna embraced her faith with grace and dedication, finding strength in the community and fostering connections that enriched her life and the lives of others.

Donna will be profoundly missed by her loving family, which includes her son, Robert C. Verzwyvelt and his wife Kendra; her daughter, Susan Verzwyvelt O'Bannon and her husband DeWayne; and her daughter, Stephanie Verzwyvelt. The legacy of her love will live on in her cherished grandchildren: Matthew Robertson, Phillip O'Bannon, Christian O'Bannon, Noah Vargas, McKenzie Verzwyvelt, Dawn O'Bannon, and Fallon Sullivan. She was also the proud grandmother of great-grandchildren Caroline Robertson, Adeline O'Bannon, Emmaline O'Bannon, Wyatt Sullivan, and William Sullivan.

Donna is survived by her dear sister, Rita Thompson, and her brother, David Roberts and his wife Cathy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Robert Verzwyvelt, whose love and companionship shaped her life; as well as her parents, Houston and Mildred Mae Sarber Roberts.

The family invites all who knew and loved Donna to join them in celebrating her life. Visitation will be held at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home on November 8, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a funeral service beginning at 3:00 PM with Henry Calhoun officiating. Burial will follow at American Cemetery in Natchitoches.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Matthew Robertson, Phillip O'Bannon, Robert Verzwyvelt, DeWayne O'Bannon, David Verzwyvelt, and Henry Calhoun. Honorary pallbearers will be her nieces and nephews.