Doneta McGonigle Gatherum, 86, passed away July 28, 2026, in Layton, Utah.

She was born May 30,1940, in Ogden, Utah to Donald McGonigle and Reta May Sill McGonigle. Although she was an only child, she was surrounded by cousins who were like siblings. She loved her parents and was especially proud of her McGonigle and Sill heritage.

She was raised in Salt Lake City and on the family farm in Layton. She graduated from Davis High School in 1958 where she participated in Pro Schola, debate, and band. She was always proud to be a Dart. She earned a Batchelor’s degree in English and History from the University of Utah along with a teaching certificate. She was a life-long fan of the Runnin’ Utes.

She married Ralph Stanley Gatherum on June 19, 1968, in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived on the family farm in Layton until Ralph’s passing in 2014. Doneta and Ralph had two children, RaDon and Daron. They had countless adventures travelling throughout the West and working on the farm as a family.

She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. At age 16 she had her first calling as the ward organist, a position which she held into her 80’s. She played for hundreds of funerals, and the grandchildren often joked that she would have to record music to play for her own funeral. Doneta served in many callings, including Primary President and Young Women’s President, where she especially enjoyed attending Girl’s Camp with Ralph. Her most recent calling was the ward family history specialist, where she was able to share her love of genealogy with others.

After graduation from the U, she taught English and History in the Granite School District until RaDon was born, when she focused on raising her children and working on the farm. She was a substitute teacher and ESL instructor for Davis District for several years. She worked for the Davis County Clipper for many years, and she enjoyed getting to know members of the community through her work with the paper.

She was passionate about Layton history. She served as the President of the Layton Heritage Museum and was a vital part of recording and honoring the history of Layton. She was chosen as the Layton City Volunteer of the Year in 2024.

She was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and supported them in all their activities, basketball games, track meets, choir concerts and musicals. She was fortunate to have 2 great-grandchildren, who brought her so much joy over the past three years.

Anyone who knew Doneta knew that she would take in any stray, human or animal. She never said “no” to anyone and was known for having a colorful menagerie of animals: cats, dogs, goats, chickens, ducks, cows, and even a pair of salamanders.

Doneta is survived by her daughter RaDon of Layton, RaDon’s children Madeline and Corbin of Layton, her son Daron (Jen) and their children Alex (Kayla) of Santaquin, Brendan (Mailee) of Rexburg, Ashlyn Hacking (Rick) of Grantsville, and Tate (Madeline) of Logan, as well as her great grandchildren Hudson Hacking and Mason Gatherum.

She is also survived by numerous cousins and extended family members and lifelong friends and neighbors who were like family. She loved visiting with anyone who stopped by the house on Fort Lane.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, and several cousins.

After some serious health setbacks, Doneta moved to Whisper Cove in Kaysville in October 2025. The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the staff who treated her with dignity and respect. They even knew her drink and dessert orders, and we are grateful for their compassion.

Funeral Services will be held Monday August 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary 1867 No. Fairfield Rd. Layton, Utah. There will be a gathering for family and friends Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary. Anyone who knew Doneta is welcome. Interment will be at the Layton Lindquist Memorial Park following the services. Services will be live-streamed by going to www.lindquistmortuary.com and scrolling to the bottom of Doneta’s obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Doneta by reading a book, petting an animal, visiting a museum, or going on a hike.

Condolences may be sent to www.lindquistmortuary.com