Ishpeming, MI- Donna Mae Champion, age 87, of Ishpeming, MI died peacefully surrounded by family at her daughter's home in Carthage, NC on Sunday, January 23, 2022.

Donna was born in Negaunee, MI on May 4, 1934, to the late Anna Sophia (Issacson) Benson and Algot Benson. She graduated from Negaunee High School in 1952. She married the love of her life, Ruben Champion, in 1955. In 1956, she graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. In the same year, she began her teaching career at Champion School shortly after the birth of her daughter, Debra. She continued teaching at the Champion School for the next 37 years. She encouraged each student to have an inquisitive mind throughout their entire educational process. She sincerely loved each one of "her second graders" and took great pride in their accomplishments well after they graduated from the second grade.

Donna had a strong moral compass, a desire to stand for what was right and an inner drive for success. Donna and Rube were a driving force in uniting the districts of National Mine, Ishpeming Township, Ely Township and Champion together to form the NICE School District. Upon her retirement from teaching, she chose to continue her service to her beloved district by running for an open School Board position in 1995. She continued to serve on the NICE School Board for 25 years, retiring in December 2021. She found great joy in serving the parents and students of the NICE District. She looked forward to the high school graduation services each year and celebrated each student's success while handing out diplomas. Donna was also the Secretary of the Negaunee Class of 1952 – starting in the seventh grade and every year after. She cherished her classmates and planned her last class reunion in July 2021.

Donna and Rube were instrumental in the creation of the Sunnyside Baseball Park. Her competitive spirit was most alive when she was on the softball pitcher's mound. She advocated for the expansion of girl's and women's softball programs throughout Marquette County and pitched until she was 76 years old. Her love of competition was also reflected on the volleyball court. In 1974 Donna and Rube organized an adult volleyball league through NICE Community Schools. She was active in this league through 2002 when she resigned from playing to assist in the administration of the league through 2004.

Donna was a humble and generous person. She enjoyed the peaceful tranquility of their camp on Gravel Lake throughout retirement. Her pastimes included taking care of the wildlife and exploring their property at camp, playing cards, and cheering on her favorite sports teams (Green Bay Packers, Detroit Tigers, and The Westwood Patriots).

Donna was an active member of Christ the King Church in Ishpeming Township. She treasured God's word and cherished the loving fellowship shared at Wednesday Bible study and Sunday services with Pastor DJ Thomsen.

She is survived by her daughter, Debra Champion; her two grandchildren, Matthew (Jenny) Champion, Chelsea (Derek) Mars; two sisters-in-law, Karen Champion, Jean (Donald) Palomaki; four great grandchildren, Karsyn, Jaxon, and Kamryn Champion, Bodie Mars; nieces, nephews and a loving extended family.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Ruben Champion, her parents, siblings, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Township on Saturday, May 14, 2022, with the family greeting relatives and friends at 10:00 AM until the time of services at 12:00 PM.  A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery following the luncheon.

Donna's Obituary can be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where remembrances can be shared.

Cards and condolences can be sent to Debra Champion, 222 Healing Acres Lane, Carthage, NC 28327