Donna "Slim" Hilmes, 77, of Mendota, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Thursday, January 30, 2025. She was born May 22, 1947, in Princeton, IL, the daughter of Richard and Grace (Petersen) Stanard. She married Larry "Bud" Hilmes Jr. on March 22, 1967, in Kasbeer, IL.

Donna worked for 35 years at Harper-Wyman in Princeton until they closed. She then became one of the original hires at the new McDonald's in Mendota by the interstate until her retirement in 2013. She loved to collect cow figurines, go for long drives to nowhere in particular, and camping with her husband, Larry. They were charter members of the Red Covered Bridge Campers. She most enjoyed spending time with her grandkids.

Donna is survived by her husband, Larry "Bud" Hilmes Jr. of Mendota; three children, De Anna (Jason) Lyon, Don (Anna Higgins) Hilmes, and Dawn (Jeremy) Washkowiak, all of LaSalle;  eight grandchildren, Justin (Abbie) Lyon, Jared (Vanessa Nikischer) Lyon, Aaliyah (Ray Straube) Lyon, Adrian Hilmes, Alissa (Matt Roeder) Hilmes, Lena Hilmes, Eli Washkowiak, and Micah Washkowiak; five great-grandchildren, Eva, Evelyn, Elsie, Brandon, and Scarlett; her sister, Sue (John) Green of Shell Lake, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Grace Stanard.

Cremation care has been provided by Horner-Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.