Donna Mae Latka, 81, of Townsend

Donna Mae Latka, 81, of Townsend Montana passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 25, 2024. 

Donna was born in Beach, ND on July 2, 1943. She was the third of five children of George and Victoria Lardy. She attended school in Sentinel Butte, ND. She loved her parents greatly and had a wonderful busy childhood on the farm. 

Donna graduated high school in 1961 and attended business college in Bismarck, ND. During this time, she met the love of her life, Paul Latka. The couple married in 1963. Donna graduated college and began her career in banking.

Paul and Donna bought a home in Glendive Montana and started their family. She was a busy mom who loved her five children dearly. She was an avid gardener and loved painting ceramics.  Filling her home with beautiful flowers and ceramics gave her so much joy. Living close to Makoshika State Park, she loved camping, picnicking, and enjoying nature. She was an amazing cook and took great care of her family and home.  Before retiring, she worked for the Burlington Northern Federal Credit Union.

Once the children left home, Paul and Donna enjoyed their retirement. They moved to Townsend, MT, and designed and built their home. Donna’s touch was present throughout, with pictures of family and flowers everywhere. In retirement, they traveled and camped frequently throughout the western portion of the United States. They enjoyed the beach and spending time with their daughter Barb and her family.

In her later years, Donna treasured time with her grandchildren the most. Gatherings were frequent. We celebrated birthdays, holidays, Townsend Fall Fest, Christmas tree harvesting, and camping at the lake together yearly. She had the best advice for parenting when she would say “You just gotta hug them.”

Donna will be missed greatly by her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, and many other family members. She was a strong, beautiful lady and gave the best hugs.

Donna’s family would like to thank her compassionate hospice caregivers. With their help, she could live in the home she loved with her family around her.

Donna’s life will be celebrated at Ss Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. Service will be held Monday, September 16, 2024, at 11:30 followed by a luncheon and graveside gathering at St. Ann’s.

In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

Service Schedule

Funeral Mass

11:30am

Monday September 16, 2024

SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church

120 W Riggs St

East Helena, MT 59635

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Funeral Reception

Following the funeral mass

Monday September 16, 2024

SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church

120 W Riggs St

East Helena, Mt 59635

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Burial

Following the reception

Monday September 16, 2024

St. Anne's Cemetery

3600 E HWY 12

East Helena, MT 59635

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