Donna Marie Grote

Donna Marie Grote (nee Frye) of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 23, 2021 at the age of 71.

Donna was born October 27, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Richard and Peggy (nee Montgomery) Frye. She was the oldest of five children and was proceeded in death by her two sisters, Barbara Brown and Margie Kock. She is survived by her brothers Bob (Sandy) Frye and Steve (Ellen) Frye; and her brothers-in law, Paul Brown and Jerry Kock.  She was a graduate of McCluer High School in 1967.

Donna married the love of her life, Bernie, on November 7, 1970. She sadly lost her husband just a short year ago.  Together they raised five children, Chrissy (Mike) Pagnotti, Amy (Duane) Youngman, Melissa Grote (Mike Bogle), Ellen (James) Riggle, and Daniel (Kelly) Grote. Donna is also survived by her five grandchildren that meant the world to her - Michael Pagnotti, AJ Riggle, Nolan Riggle, Molly Riggle, and Allison Grote. She is survived by her 16 nieces and nephews who she adored, her in-laws who meant so much to her, and countless friends who she met throughout the years.

Family was the center of Donna's life. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family.  She was happiest when she was surrounded by her loved ones. When her children were younger, she was involved in all of their school activities and was often found chairing large school carnivals or helping in classrooms. She was also involved with her girls activities in the Girl Scouts.  She continued that sentiment with her grandchildren, attending all of their school events and sports activities.

She was a lifelong believer in the magic of Disney, with her favorite film of all time being “The Lady and The Tramp” and “Bambi” being a close second.  Disney World was almost like a second home for Donna and her family, and she always looked forward to her next visit there.

Donna was very energetic and like to plan fun things for her family.  She also had the habit of making to-do lists for herself every day, and while she was great at writing them, sometimes she wasn’t so good at getting all of the tasks completed.  Even so, everyone always had fun when they came to visit with her.

Donna will be remembered for her loving care she always had for her family.  She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s name to the Francis Howell School District Lunch Hero Program.