Donna Dee Twitchell

Donna Dee Twitchell, 85, of Fort Washakie, WY passed away Monday, September 16, 2024, in Billings, Montana.

Donna Dee Twitchell (Bertagnolli) (85) was born in Jackson Hole, WY, to James and Elvia Driskell, the oldest of two daughters.  They moved to Lander when she was 4 years old where her dad managed ranches.

Donna graduated from Fremont County Vocational High School in Lander with the class of 1957.  Then attended Parks Business School in Denver and later kept books for several businesses in Lander.

She married Gary Grant Twitchell and together raised a family of 3 children, Diane Robinson, Debbie White (David), and Gerrit James Twitchell. She has 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Gary passed away in 1992.  Several years later she married Daniel Bertagnolli, whom she shared many adventures with until he passed away in 2016.

Donna had a love for horses and grew up riding every chance she had. A skill that came in handy since she married a rancher.  They made their home at Crowheart for several years before moving to Fort Washakie where they continued to ranch.

She returned to school and earned a Bachelor's Degree in education.  She taught at Wyoming Indian Schools for 44 years with her main focus on reading.  Her love and encouragement for the students is evident by how many will greet her in public and give her hugs.

During this time, she also drove school bus and kept the time clock at football and basketball games. She would watch for the 'student of the week' in the paper, cut it out, and mail it to that student with a congratulatory card.  She loved to recognize students' achievements.

Donna became an EMT and served in that capacity for 15 years.

She had many talents and interests including crocheting, beading, horses, fishing, bowling and loved antiques.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Husbands Gary Twitchell and Daniel Bertagnolli, and son Gerrit James Twitchell.

She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, younger sister Dorothy, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

A Visitation will take place at 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Hudson's Funeral Home in Lander, WY (680 Mount Hope Drive, Lander, WY 82520).

The Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fort Washakie, WY (12712 US-287, Fort Washakie, WY 82514).

Please sign the online guestbook at: hudsonsfh.com