Funeral services for Donna Jean Heath, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Langston Street Chapel under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, followed by the interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, July 26, 2026, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Donna Jean Heath, 77, West Plains, MO, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Ozarks Healthcare. She was born on September 30, 1948, in Michigan to Richard and Mary Lou Minnich. After moving to Florida as a young child, she met her husband, Jerry Heath, Sr, at the age of 16. Donna’s mother passed away unexpectedly in her arms when she was 19. A month later her and Jerry were wed in Pompano Beach, Florida on April 13, 1968. Although she completed school for data entry, she set that aside to help care for her younger siblings. That fall her and Jerry welcomed their daughter Mary Renee to the family. When Renee was a toddler Donna accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and both her and Jerry began attending church. They welcomed Jerry Jr in 1975 and James Allan in 1976. James (Jamie) was born with severe medical needs. Her and Jerry spent 39 years caring for him and giving him a wonderful life. In 1988 her and Jerry moved the family to West Plains, MO for a short time. They then relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania near her sister Annette and husband Carl. While working with Annette and Carl in their business many beautiful memories were made, raising their kids together. They then moved back to West Plains in 1992 where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Family brought her so much joy. She enjoyed gathering with her siblings, their families, taking her kids to the beach, cheering on Jerry’s sports and then the ultimate…becoming a Nana.

She loved her grandbabies. Kaitland and Corbin had her wrapped around their little fingers. She kept her pantry stocked with all their favorite snacks and would drop everything when the phone rang with them asking to spend the night. As they grew up, she was their biggest support in every hobby and sport they participated in. The camera and camcorder were always in her hand, unfortunately, the batteries died frequently. God then brought Tyler and Alyssa into the family. She was so happy to see Kaitland and Corbin find their spouses and get married. Even though her health was not good in the last few years, meeting her great grandbabies was a constant source of joy. She watched video after video of Rooney, Dallas and Havoc and was always so excited to see them on visits.

Her life was so active. At one point she joined a bowling league and especially loved glow bowling. She enjoyed trips to the beach with Jerry and the kids when they were young. She enjoyed her flowerbeds and would even replant perfectly good flowers with new ones. In later years when getting outside was not possible, she began growing succulents inside.

Once she placed her trust Christ in 1971, she was very active in her local church and continued to grow in her faith. Reading God’s Word and teaching others about God was very important to her. After years of intense study, she received her license in chaplaincy/ministry. It was a very special accomplishment for her. She volunteered her time as a chaplain at Ozarks Medical Center for several years. Most of all, she made sure her children and grandchildren knew how much God loved them and the power of prayer. When life hit hard, she was the first to stop, pray and remind you of scripture to encourage you.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; children, Renee Heath and Jerry Heath, Jr (Bethany); grandchildren, Kaitland Binkley (Tyler) and Corbin Heath (Alyssa); great grandchildren, Rooney, Dallas and Havoc; siblings, Edward Minnich (Tammy), Annette Military, Cheryl Norville (Curt), Richard Minnich (Jill) and Robert Minnich (Robin) and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, step-mother, Joan Minnich, son, James Heath and one brother in-law, Carl Military preceded her in death.