Dona Gale Irwin, 92, longtime Deming resident passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loved ones.
Dona Gale Ball was born in Silver City, New Mexico on September 13, 1932 to Bessie Violet and Carl Roland Ball. Dona and one sibling, Bobbie Jean, were raised in what was then the Fire Station and is now the Silver City Museum. Dona G. Ball met and then married Claude Bertram “Bert” Irwin, on February 16, 1951.
Among her many accomplishments Dona was a teacher and mentor. She was so honored to serve in Luna County as a Mainstreet Organizer, First Offenders Program, County Commissioner, Fair Board Member, Cowbelle, Public Relations Officer, and of course, State Representative of District 3. She received multitudes of honors for her many contributions to the community, district, and state.
In the words of Jennifer (Irwin) Applebee: The world has lost an amazing trailblazer and probably one of the most inspirational women to all those who knew and worked with her. She was like no other. Kind, caring, giving, tough, hardworking, and deeply loved and admired by those in her community and state as well as her family and many friends. All our hearts are hurting as we come to terms that her energy and presence is no longer with us. She did not live life small, she lived as big as she could in her 92 years. We will all miss her saying, “I love you all there is.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie, and Papa (Roland); her husband, Bert, and her sister, Bobbie Neal Little.
She is survived by her two children, Janet Smyer (husband, Richard Smyer) and son, Craig Irwin (wife, Mackey Irwin), 9 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren. As well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
A visitation was held Monday, October 14, 2024 from 5 to 7 o’clock in the evening at Baca’s Funeral Chapel. A funeral service was celebrated on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 10 o’clock in the morning at the First United Methodist Church (1020 S. Granite St, Deming, NM 88030). The final interment followed at Mountain View Cemetery where Dona was laid to rest next to her husband Bert. The family is asking, in lieu of flowers, that consideration is given to a donation to Deming Mainstreet for “The Dona Irwin Project.” Her community was so near and dear to her heart.