Donna Jean (Debaets) Ahrens

Donna Jean Ahrens, 69, formerly of Tipton, died suddenly of respiratory cardia arrest on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 in Mercy One Hospital, Des Moines. Per her wishes, Donna was cremated and private family services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com Donna was born on Thursday, November 8, 1951 in Durant, Iowa. She was the daughter of Henry and Rosalie (Hirl) DeBaets. Donna graduated from Durant High School and was married to Ellis Ahrens in 1969. They later divorced. Donna worked at the Cove Restaurant for many years and after it closed Donna worked at the University of Iowa in the Housekeeping Department until she retired. Donna enjoyed the outdoors, birds, butterflies, fishing, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, NASCAR and spending her summers at her summer home at Lake Rathbun. Donna is survived by her special friend and his family, Steve Courtney of Lone Tree, Iowa; her children, Ellis Ahrens of West Burlington, Iowa and Tiffany Hamblin (Brad Dee) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her grandchildren, Taylor, Peyton, Kylee Jean, Olivia, Jackson, and one great-grandchild, sisters, Victoria Johnston, Diane Bell, Bonnie VanDeWalle, and her cat, Hobo. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Janet Fox and infant sister, Marjorie DeBaets