Donna E. (Cook) McGuire, gently passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Dec. 12, 2025, two days after her 83rd birthday, surrounded by her family. Donna Cook was born on Dec. 10, 1942, in the old Wheatland hospital, the second daughter of Donald J and Eileen (Bowen) Cook. She was delivered into this world by Dr. Allison, and Donna was very proud that Dr. Allison also delivered all three of her own children. Donna’s early life was in Chugwater at the TY Ranch. She loved animals and all ranch life. Donna could regularly be found helping her mother around the home, but her passion included helping to hand-raise any bum calf or lamb, and she named each one.
The Cook family later moved onto the Wheatland flats following her parents buying land near town. Donna attended Wheatland schools, participated in many school activities, and graduated with the class of 1961. She then attended Park’s School of Business in Denver, Colorado; following her graduation in Denver, she returned to Wheatland and eventually went to work for the Eloxite Corporation. Donna loved working for Mr. Barry and helping customers find what they needed for their creations. Donna also loved the staff who she worked alongside, and made many lifelong friends during the 15 years working there. Not every ranch life experience was positive. In 1969 a quiet morning was shattered when the Wheatland Little Reservoir dam failed. The county road was engulfed and the driveway down to the main house and barns was entirely washed away. Nearly three feet of water surrounded the house and outbuildings. Donna and her family were rescued from their flooded home by neighbors in small boats, and also by her father and nephew, who relied on their trusty horses to cross through the water to get to the house and back to safety.
Donna was married to Thomas McGuire in August 1963 at the original St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wheatland. Together they raised three children on their ranch west of town. She loved having every possible type of animal on their ranch. Donna and Tom later divorced after 35 years of marriage. Donna moved into town and continued making custom designed, hand-made jewelry, and religious items such as rosary. Donna donated rosaries locally and world-wide to Catholic missions in locations such as India, Viet Nam and third world countries. She continued making and donating her beautiful rosaries late into her life, having made several thousand. Donna was also very committed to the success of the WHS Old Grads committee, serving for many years on the board, mostly as treasurer.
Donna is survived by her three children: Ken, Karen and Colleen, three grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Donna was proceeded in death by her parents Donald and Eileen Cook, her sister Joan L Stugart, maternal grandparents Leroy and Luella Bowen, and Paternal grandparents John and Jenny Cook.
A mass of Christian burial was held at St Patrick’s church, officiated by Fr. Chester Murtha, with burial at the Wheatland cemetery.
