HARNANDO, Miss. — Donna Schieffer Belenchia, Harnando, Miss., beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, died March 15, 2025, at the age of 75.

Donna was born Feb. 16, l950, in Crofton, to Anthony and Clara (Feldhacker) Schieffer. She was the 14th of 15 children. Her dad died when she was not quite 2 years old. She was later raised by her oldest sister, Adaline Dreesen, and her husband, Francis. She attended Cedar Catholic grade school and high school in Hartington, graduating in l968. After graduation she moved to Omaha and worked for Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. She met her husband, Paul Belenchia, who was attending Creighton University Pharmacy School. They married June 24, l972, in Omaha. After Paul graduated in l973, they moved to Cleveland, Miss., and then on to Louisville, Ky. Paul’s mother died in February 1975, so they moved back to Cleveland, Miss. Paul and his dad then built Paul Discount Drugs in l976. Donna was the secretary/ treasurer of Paul Discount Drugs for 25 years. She also took some classes at Delta State University. They had five children. They lost twin girls in l976 after six months of pregnancy. Giordana was born in l978, Gretchen in l980, and Joshua in l982.

Donna loved being a wife, mother. grandmother and friend. She loved cooking and baking for her family. She also loved her brothers and sisters, and her many brothers and sisters in Christ. Donna and Paul left the Catholic Church and became charter members of Covenant Presbyterian Church in l982. Donna was very active at Covenant. She taught Sunday school and Bible studies. She and Paul sang in the choir for about 20 years. She served as president of the Women of the Church and then on several committees in the church. Donna also volunteered for Sav-Life (Crisis Pregnancy Center) for 10 years in Cleveland. She and Paul were members of Covenant Presbyterian Church until they retired and moved to Hernando, Miss., in 2011. They are now members of Christ Covenant in Hernando to be able to serve and worship locally. Donna loved to read and study, especially her Bible. She also loved to cross stitch for her children and grandchildren, and work puzzles, and legos.

Donna is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Paul Belenchia; and their children, Giordana (Andrew) Dahlinghaus, Gretchen (Josh) Schneider, Joshua (Katie) Belenchia; her grandchildren, Harper, Jonah and Wyatt Belenchia; Juniper Ann Schneider; Francesca, Griffin and Gabriel Dahlinghaus; her siblings, Adaline Dreesen, Jim (Joan) Schieffer, Tony Schieffer, Ramona Bagstad, Bob (Mary) Schieffer, Betty (Carney) Walter, Francis (Joleen) Schieffer, Laverda (John) Bascom, Dianne (Keith) Farries; sister-in-law, Donna Schieffer; her nieces, and nephew: Sandy (Mark) Becker, Roman Dreesen and Shelly (Trent) Becker. (These three were more like brother and sisters.) And many other nieces and nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by daughters, Lee and Marie Belenchia; her parents, Anthony and Clara Schieffer; her brothers, Alfred, Wilfred and Ronald Schieffer; her brothers-in-law: Francis Dreesen, Jack Bagstad and Steve Samelson. Sisters-in-law: Del Ray Schieffer, Mary Schieffer and Arlene (Al) Schieffer.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Ligonier Ministries at donate. ligonier.org