Donna Soper

Donna Soper, age 86 of Adair, Iowa, died on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at Caring Acres in Anita, Iowa. Donna Mary Rochholz was born on September 7, 1935, in Guthrie County, a daughter of Lloyd and Mary (McMurphy) Rochholz. She attended country school until 3rd grade when the family moved to Adair. Donna was the Adair County Spelling Champion. In 1953, she set a new school scoring record in girls’ basketball. She graduated as salutatorian of her class.

Donna was baptized and became a member of the Adair Presbyterian Church, where she was a lifetime member. She was a member of Westminster Auxiliary where she served as president and secretary. Donna married Gerald "Bud" Soper on April 25, 1953. They lived in Waynesville, MO, while Bud was in the service at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Later they lived in Colorado Springs, CO, while Bud was stationed at Fort Carson, CO. They were residents of Adair since 1955.

When her children were young, Donna served as a Sunday School teacher, a Boy Scout Den Mother, and a Girl Scout Leader. She was employed at The Adair News, The Anita Tribune, Reha Trucking, The Karl Correll Insurance Agency, and The Adair Insurance Agency at the Exchange State Bank as an agent.

Survivors include her children, Roger Soper and wife, Jan of Latta, SC, Gwen Ullerich and husband, Chris of Wiota, IA; five grandchildren, Brian Soper and wife, Amy of Urbandale, IA, Adam Soper of Salisbury, NC, Crystal Soper of Murrells Inlet, SC. Emily Paulsen and husband, Nathan of Exira, IA and Curtis Ullerich of Cupertino, CA; nine great-grandchildren, Shyanne Cooley and husband, Tanner of Johnston, IA, Shelby Soper of Adair, IA, Dylan Soper of Ankeny, IA, Kenley Ussery and Kelsey Soper of Murrells Inlet, SC, Layla and Kallie Soper of Urbandale, IA, Olivia and Eli Paulsen of Exira, IA; two great great-grandchildren, Brystol and Barrett Cooley of Johnston, IA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald "Bud" Soper, her parents, and her three sisters, Evelyn Ringquist, Marjorie Parisho and Myrna Emgarten.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, May 16, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church in Adair, IA with Rev. Bob Zirkelbach officiating. Burial will follow at Sunnyhill Cemetery in Adair. Visitation with the family present from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Adair. In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family for designation at a later date. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Adair, IA is caring for the Soper family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com