- Born on: March 10, 1937
- Departed on: June 1, 2023
- Resided in: Ames, IA
Don Lester Gift
Don Lester Gift of Ames, Iowa passed away peacefully, on June 1, 2023, at the age of 86. He was born on March 10, 1937, in Yale Iowa to parents William Lester Gift and Velma (Jones) Gift.
He grew up with a younger brother Bill and a younger sister Sheryl. After his father died in 1950, he and his brother farmed for 1 year near Dawson, Iowa before moving to Dallas Center, with the family. The boys continued to farm while in high school and college.
After high school he attended Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in Farm Operations. Don continued to farm near Ogden while raising a family with then wife Janet Gift and their two children Phillip and Cami. After farming he worked at various jobs including, driving taxi, school bus monitor and Bridgestone/Firestone for 21 years.
He was preceded in death by his father W. Lester Gift, his mother Velma Gift, his sister V. Sheryl Holden Gift, and great granddaughter Rosalee Worley as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his son Phillip Gift (Heather) of Ankeny Iowa, daughter Camilla Bottorff (Travis) of Loganville, Georgia, brother William Gift (Marilyn), brother-in-law Palmer Holden, grandchildren Christopher Moore, Haley Worley (Zach), Emily Gift of Iowa, Tanner Bottorff, and Casey Bottorff of Georgia. Great Grandson Leo Worley. As well as many nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces and extended family.