Donna Ballantini

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donna Faye Ballantini, 78, of Des Moines, on November 29, 2025. Donna was born in Harlan, Iowa, on September 28, 1947, to Richard and Rose (Wittmier) Hoffer. Her infectious laughter and kind spirit will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Donna was a devoted wife to her husband, Joe, for 54 years. She was a loving mother to her sons, Tony (Alicia) and Rocky (Cinzia), and a caring stepmother to Aldo (Lori) and Frank (June). She was a supportive and loving sister to Patricia Watson and held her niece, Kimberly Genovese, close to her heart. Above all, Donna delighted in her role as grandmother to Allysa, Hailey, Mikey, Isabelle, Kiara, Nico, Mattia, Gianna, and Brody, and great-grandmother to Makenna. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she dedicated herself to their happiness and well-being.

Donna embodied a strong work ethic, serving as an Accounts Receivable Specialist for Seneca Tank Corporation in Des Moines for many years until her retirement. In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading, with Danielle Steel among her favorite authors, and traveling. She created countless lasting memories with her family, from many trips to Worlds of Fun-Oceans of Fun and Adventureland, to road trips across the Midwest to visit her sister in Indiana and explore places such as the Chicago Museum and Aquarium and the Omaha Zoo, to adventures farther from home. She faithfully attended All Saints Parish for many years, where her Catholic faith was an important part of her life.

After her sons joined the United States Air Force, Donna embraced opportunities to travel further, visiting them in locations across the United States and in Italy. Even when facing significant health challenges later in life, she was determined to make special trips – most recently to the beach in North Carolina – to spend precious time with her family. Nothing could keep her from being present for the people she loved.

Donna’s unwavering optimism and her ability to find light in any situation inspired those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life and the importance of family.

She is survived by her husband, Joe; her sons, Tony (Alicia) and Rocky (Cinzia); her stepsons Aldo (Lori) and Frank (June); her nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; her sister, Patricia Watson; her niece, Kimberly (Steve) Genovese; and her sisters-in-law, Virginia (Bill) Strauss and Darlene (Kenny) Cross. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would also like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the Kavanagh House, St. Croix Hospice, and Ramsey Village, whose compassionate care was a blessing during her final years.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the same location.

Condolences can be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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