Donna Connor

Donna Jane Ayer Connor passed away on July 24, 2015 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She was a proud Wyomingite, spending most of her life in Carbon County, Wyoming. Donna was a passionate educator and dedicated her career to advancing education and mentoring young people across the state. Donna was born January 1, 1932 in Baggs, Wyoming to Walter "Buckshot" Ayer and Lula McCarger Ayer. She graduated from high school in Baggs and received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming. Donna spent a year working for the F.B.I. in Washington D.C., then returned to Wyoming to pursue what would become her lifelong passion - education. She taught business in Evanston for one year, then taught in Rawlins for three years. There she met and married Francis "Fran" Connor, a teacher and coach. At that time, married couples couldn't both teach in the same District, so Donna worked for a year as a legal secretary before returning to education. In 1959, she was appointed as the Carbon County Superintendent of Schools, a position she held until 1969. She then worked as the University of Wyoming Field Representative, supervising student teachers, until her retirement in 1994. Donna and Fran were avid travelers, visiting many countries and attending several Olympic Games. They enjoyed spending summers at their cabin near Columbine, Colorado. Donna loved skiing, horseback riding and ranch life, and the University of Wyoming Cowboy Joe Club. She enjoyed the company of many dogs and horses throughout her life. Donna was a devoted community member, whose activities included the Soroptimist Club, PEO, and the American Association of University Women. She was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. Donna was predeceased by her husband, Fran; her brother, Mack; and her parents. She is survived by her cousin Dan (Marvel) Dement of Oregon and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by family friends Patrick and Sharon O'Toole, goddaughter Meghan (Brian) Lally, Bridget O'Toole (Chris Abel), Eamon (Megan) O'Toole and their families. She also leaves behind several close friends and neighbors. Donations may be made to the American Association of University Women https://ww2.aauw.org/donate-gift/ or AAUW, 1111 Sixteenth St. NW, Washington, DC 20036, or St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Box 68, Dixon, WY 82323. Services will be held Monday, August 10, at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Rawlins. Interment will follow in the Rawlins Cemetery.

Service

Monday, August 10, 2015 10:00am

St. Thomas Episcopal Church

508 W. Pine

RAWLINS, WY 82301

Interment

Rawlins Cemetery

915 Third St.

RAWLINS, WY