Donna Rae Rote, passed away on August 28, 2025 at the age of 88 years young. She was born Donna Rae Sheffield on February 21st, 1937 in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of Ralph Devore Sheffield and his wife Martha Lee Sheffield, nee’ La Rue, and raised in Miami, Florida. Donna Rae was a beloved mother of four, grandmother of four, and great grandmother of four. She loved music and sang in the church choir for many decades. She was an avid football fan of both the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Dolphins and enjoyed the game her entire life. In her spare time, Donna Rae loved riding roller coasters well into her upper 70’s, and created beautiful works of fabric art by quilting, needle point, and cross stitch.
She also loved the natural environment and her dogs and cats, and passed these loves to her family. She was a graduate of Miami High, and graduated with honors from Thomas Nelson Community College and made the National Dean’s List. She then served as a Substitute Teacher for York County Public Schools for many years where she was well beloved by staff and students. She retired at the age of 82. She was strong in the Christian faith, attended services weekly, and was always quick to lead grace before a family meal. The holiday season was always special. She knew, as Dickens might say, how to keep Christmas well; but always tried to emphasize the reason for the season.
Donna Rae is survived by her daughter Dona Marie, of Newport News, Virginia; son Russ of Ormond Beach, Florida; daughter Deanna and son-in-law Bob Leek, of Williamsburg, Virginia; grandchildren Katherine, Anthony, Taylor, and Rune; and great grandchildren Jaylah, Kassandra, Mariah, and Rowan; and her sister, Lila Lee Davis. She was preceded in death by her son David Daniel, parents Ralph and Martha Lee, and former husband, Russell George Rote.
The family will have a memorial service Saturday, September 20, at the Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church, 38 Hoopes Rd, Newport News, VA 23602 beginning at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Peninsula SPCA, 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.