Donna Lavon Ausmus

Donna Lavon Ausmus was born June 17, 1937 in Tulsa, OK to Edwin and Theo Yarger. She went to be with her Lord on January 5, 2018 at her home in Muskogee. She grew up in Kiefer, OK and graduated from Kiefer High School in 1954. Donna accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of 9, which became the focus of her life. At the age of 13 she began playing the piano for her church. This continued throughout her life in a pursuit to glorify God. Donna began college at Oklahoma Central State College. Donna married the love of her life, John Ausmus on January 21, 1955. They moved to Alpine, Texas to attend Sul Ross University where she graduated in 1957. They returned to Tulsa and she began her teaching career. On April 13, 1960 her daughter, Lynn was born. She received her Master’s degree in 1966. She continued her education earning several certifications from several universities. In 1968 they welcomed a son, Kent. Donna retired from teaching in Oklahoma in 1989 after 30 years. However, she wasn't finished but moved to Germany to teach reading for the Department of Defense schools. After 15 years of teaching in Germany she retired and moved to Muskogee where she worked part time at the Oklahoma School for the Blind and Muskogee Public Schools. She also served 7 years as a CASA volunteer. The guiding points of her life were her Lord, her family and helping children have the skills they need to be successful. Donna is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Lynn Cragg and husband Larry; son, Kent Ausmus; brother, Keith Yarger and wife Becky; grandchildren, Nathan Davis and wife Meagan, Jon Davis and wife Angel, Rachel Cragg, Samantha Smith and husband Michael, Shelby Ruckman and Jade Ruckman; and two great-grandsons, Reid and Tucker Davis. Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Theo Yarger; her father, Edwin Yarger; and her brother, Gerald Yarger. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Boulevard Christian Church with Minister Steve Moss and Minister Tony Blumenberg officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery at 12:00 P.M. Pallbearers will be Nathan Davis, Jon Davis, Jason Cragg, Aaron Cragg, David Romine and J.R. Romine. The family will receive friends at Cornerstone Funeral Home, in Muskogee on Wednesday evening from 5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

Donna Lavon Ausmus

June 17, 1937 - January 5, 2018