Donna R. Paulson

ST. PAUL, MN/MADISON, WI - Our loving and selfless mother, grandmother, wife, sister, daughter Donna (Betts) Paulson, age 70, passed away December 16, 2016. Born in Ortonville, MN, in 1946 to parents Pearl Wold and Rudolph Betts, Donna grew up on the family farm in Clinton, MN, with her older brother Rudy and younger brother Dick. An introverted, studious girl in a one-room country school, Donna went on to Clinton High School where she graduated salutatorian of her class. With encouragement from Rudy, Donna earned an Associate Degree at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND where she paid her room and board by being a house mom in an all-girls dormitory. While attending college, Donna met Dwight Paulson of Ryder, ND at a Christmas dance. Dwight says it was love at first sight for him, but she took some convincing. They married in 1966 and later moved to St. Paul, MN where Donna worked for several years at Northwest Airlines. Donna had a beautiful flower garden, kept a tidy house and enjoyed planning family vacations. She cherished being a mom and grandma, always putting family first. Even when sick for many years with cancer, she kept a steady focus on family and living life to the fullest. Her legacy lies in the bedrock of support, encouragement, advice and strength that she gave to her family. Donna was preceded in death by her mom and dad, Pearl and Rudolf Betts, and her brother, Rudy Betts. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dwight Paulson; her children, Ryan Paulson (Darla Hovden), Brant Paulson (Lola Rohde), Taryn (Ryan) Conaway and Tonya (Jeff) Mathison; her grandchildren, Ryder Paulson, Mika and Kobe Mathison and Clarinha Paulson; and her brother, Dick Betts. A celebration of Donnas life will be held at MESSIAH CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11 a.m. The Paulsons are grateful for the care provided to Donna and our family by Agrace HospiceCare over the past year. A special thanks to the CNAs, nurses and doctors who are our angels. Donations in memory of Donna may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Madison, WI 53711. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com