Donna Nelle Hanson August 28, 1926 - January 8, 2025

Donna Hanson, 98, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025.

Donna was born on August 28, 1926, to Arthur Lewis Delp and Oril Bell Dickey Delp on a farm that would shape much of her resilient spirit. Growing up without electricity and indoor plumbing, she learned early the value of hard work and resourcefulness. Donna’s family raised chickens and maintained a large vegetable garden, and her childhood included memorable experiences with unique pets such as a pig and a baby coyote. Though she often joked about the less pleasant aspects of farm life—like the outhouse—Donna’s family fondly kept these memories alive through humorous gifts, including outhouse-themed decorations.

She witnessed a changing world, living through the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, World War II, and the presidencies of 17 U.S. leaders. Donna also had a colorful family story, including a great grandfather who was a sea captain.  He collected animals for the zoo.  On one of his journeys he traveled back with a parrot to give to his family.  However, by the time the ship reached shore, the bird had learned a colorful language and was no longer an acceptable gift.

Donna moved to Oklahoma City after high school and worked several jobs before meeting her future husband, Sig Hanson, Jr., at OG&E. They married in 1947 and were together for more than 56 years, raising two children and enjoying life at their lake property in Eufaula, Oklahoma, where they spent many happy days camping, boating, and fishing with family and friends. Donna and Sig also traveled across the U.S. and took a memorable cruise to Hawaii. Later in life, Donna enjoyed two cruises with her son and daughter-in-law.

A woman with a deep love for children, Donna taught preschool at Covenant Presbyterian Church for many years, cherishing the small gifts and artwork from her students. She was also deeply involved in several women’s organizations, including the Order of the Amaranth, Order of the Eastern Star, and Daughters of the Nile, and was an active volunteer with the Shriners.

Donna had a creative spirit, making everything from Halloween costumes and Christmas stockings to hand-decorated birdhouses and crafts for friends and family. During the pandemic, she even began making and giving away facial coverings. A talented seamstress, Donna created countless dresses and blouses in her younger years, later turning her attention to crafting unique items like reindeer made from candy canes and whimsical characters from pantyhose.

Donna loved spending time with her family, particularly around holidays, and always had a supply of Hershey miniatures on hand to share. In her later years, she discovered a passion for adult coloring books and word search puzzles, and was known for her love of classic TV shows, especially The Lawrence Welk Show, Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud.

Even in her 90s, Donna remained independent and active, tackling the aisles of Walmart with ease. She had a quick wit, and her sense of humor remained intact until the end. When asked if she had any allergies, she deadpanned, “Men.”

Donna was predeceased by her husband, Sig Hanson, Jr.; her parents, Arthur and Oril Delp; and her brother, Elmo Delp. She is survived by her son, Sig Hanson III (wife, Mary), daughter, Shelley Hadley (husband, Larry), grandchildren Melinda Sims (husband, Curtis), Justin Hadley (wife, Patricia), and Mandy Hadley, and great-grandchildren Kayla Brown (husband, Chris), Stefon Hanson, Lucas Sims, Savana Sims, as well as great-great-grandchildren Levi, Lauren, Waylon, Sam, Treighton, Terry, and Abigail (on the way).

The Viewing for Donna will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Buchanan Funeral Service, from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM. The family will be present to receive guests from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the chapel at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, at 1:00 PM.

Donna was a remarkable woman whose love, humor, and creativity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.