Donna Lou McKowen

Donna Lou Trujillo McKowen, daughter of James Henry Trujillo and Eva Boren Trujillo, was born October 25, 1931 in Roosevelt, Utah, and returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father on October 4, 2026 in Payson, Utah, welcomed into the arms of her Savior and into the loving embraces of those who went before her.

Donna Lou was raised in Utah's Uintah Basin, in the small communities of Tridell and White Rocks. She grew up in humble circumstances, where she learned early the blessings of hard work, family unity, and faith in Jesus Christ. She carried those lessons throughout her 94 years.

She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found great joy in serving the Lord. She loved attending church, serving in various callings, and serving a mission.

On November 25, 1949, she married the love of her life, Howard Burns McKowen. Together they built a life centered on family and faith that spanned more than seven decades. They lived in several communities in Salt Lake and Uintah County, including many years associated with the Utah State Parks. Donna Lou was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

On April 30, 1997, Donna Lou bid farewell to her beloved Howard Burns. Though her heart was broken by his passing, she carried on with quiet strength and unwavering faith for nearly 30 years, trusting in the Lord's promise that their marriage and family would be together forever. She often spoke of how much she missed him and looked forward to the day she would be with him again.

She was the loving mother of seven children. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Howard Burns McKowen, her daughter Judy Lou Bear and her son Bernerd Wayde McKowen, as well as by her parents, and many beloved siblings, grandchildren, extended family members and beloved friends.

She is survived by her children: Johnnie, Evie and Duane, Kathy and Sid, LaDonna and Preston, James & Tracy along with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family who loved her dearly.

Donna Lou was known for her kind heart, her amazing laugh, and her willingness to share what she had with anyone in need. She was a talented homemaker who loved cooking and baking, especially making pies for her family. She was gifted with her hands - sewing clothing for her children and grandchildren, knitting and crocheting, embroidering linens with love, and creating beautiful ceramics.

She loved music, her time in 4-H as a youth, and the simple pleasures of home and the outdoors. Growing up in the Uintah Basin, she even discovered a dinosaur bone — a memory her family has always treasured. She will be remembered for her strong testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and her belief in eternal families.

She faced both joy and sorrow in this life with faith, trusting in the Lord's plan and in the promise that families can be together forever through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

A viewing will be Thursday October 15th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Brown Family Mortuary, 66 S 300 E Santaquin, Utah. Additional services will be held in Maeser, Utah on Saturday, October 17th (time TBD). Burial will be in the Rock Point cemetery in Maeser, Utah.

The family expresses sincere gratitude for the many friends and loved ones who have offered love and support.

She lived with faith, loved with her whole heart, and leaves a legacy of love, service, and laughter — and now, after many years, her heart is whole again.