Donna Lea Hymes, 87, of Coal Valley, passed away Thursday August 27, 2026 at Celebrate Moline.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm Wednesday September 2, 2026 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. Visitation will be from 11:00am to service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be left to VFW Auxiliary District 8.

Donna was born on August 15, 1939 in Aledo, IL, the daughter of Alva and Lois (Skaggs) Minteer. Donna completed her Bachelor’s Degree in early child hood education at Western Illinois University.

Donna married Paul “PJ” Hymes Jr. on December 21, 1985 in Rock Island. She had previously been married to Chuck Kroeger, who preceded her in death.

She had been employed at the Project Now Headstart for over 34 years, holding many positions including, Head Teacher and Supervisor, before retiring in August of 2020. Previously Donna had worked as a school teacher Aledo School System for 15 years.

Donna was Past President of the VFW Auxiliary 1303 of Rock Island, past District President and District Officer, Life Member of former Auxiliary 2153 and was currently serving with VFW Auxiliary 5083 in Geneseo. She was also active with the Poppies Choir. Donna devoted her life to her family, children and veteran's.

Survivors include her husband, Paul “PJ” Hymes; nephews, David Criswell, Aledo, Larry Criswell, Edwards, Illinois, Richard Johnson, Burlington, Iowa.

She was preceded by her mother, Lois Skaggs Johnson Minteer; father, Alva Minteer; brother, Harland Johnson; sisters, Byrl Louck, Bernice Davis and Myrl Criswell.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.