Donna Jean VanderLaan

Donna Jean VanderLaan entered the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 in Clifton, Texas. Donna was born August 8, 1957 in Fort Worth, Texas to Chrysta and Versie Leland “VL” Swift. She married the love of her life, Joseph “Joe” VanderLaan, on December 20, 1973. Donna and Joe spent most of their 48 years together in Cleburne and Bono, moving to Clifton more recently in 2016. 

Donna worked as a nurse for many years, mostly for Dr. Gerald Kiel at Cleburne Family Medicine. Later on, she became a small business owner and ran Granbury Carriage Company. Donna and Joe could be found at many weddings, parades and festivals offering rides to the public, usually accompanied by their granddaughter, Jayci, and Border Collie “Posse”. Donna also helped establish and run the Lighthouse Food Pantry, a ministry of Bono Baptist Church. Donna loved the Lord, and enjoyed helping people.

Donna was preceded in death by her father, VL Swift, brother David Swift, and her husband, Joe VanderLaan. 

Donna is survived by sons Chris VanderLaan of Arlington, and Jason VanderLaan and wife Jennifer of Cleburne; her favorite granddaughter, Jayci Mahaffey and husband Garrett; sister Traci Simpson and husband Gary, and brother Richard Swift and wife Frances; along with a host of other relatives and close friends including Oliver Dunn, and her church family at Bosque County Cowboy Church.

A memorial service will be held at the Bosque County Cowboy Church, 7023 SH 6, Clifton, TX 76634 on October 5, 2024 at 10am, officiated by Pastor Tater Paschal

 Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792