Dona Jean Ryan Holm's Obituary
Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on March 26, 2026, in Sandy, Utah. Dona was born August 30,1940, in Douglas, Arizona. Her first memory is being in her home with her parents and playing with their dog. Her father worked for the Southern-Pacific railroad and was gone most of the time. Her parents divorced when she was three and she began attending a Catholic boarding school. After the boarding school, Dona moved to San Diego, California. She had plenty of cousins in California to play with. While in California her Aunt Gertrude took very good care of her as did her Grandma Ryan. She thought of San Diego as her home. Her father later sent her to live with her mother in Midvale, Utah. Her family enjoyed riding horses, and they had a big barn to accommodate their hobby. Dona attended Jordan High School. She enjoyed reading and attending classes. She graduated when she was 15 years old. In 1957-1958 she attended and graduated from Victor Comptometer school.
Dona worked for and excelled in various companies throughout her career including Norfolk and Western Railroad, Utah Power & Light, Bonneville Communications, and the YMCA. Her last employer was the University of Utah as an Academic Program Specialist (Academic Student Advisor) in the Mechanical Engineering Department. She truly loved working with students and watching them succeed. She graduated from the University of Utah in 1998 with a degree in Anthropology.
Dona was an avid reader. She loved to learn new things throughout her life. She was very proud of her Irish heritage and loved to celebrate St. Patrick’s day. Dona loved to volunteer. She was keenly aware of those who were marginalized, neglected, forgotten, or underserved such as refugees and the poor. She had the unique ability to make friends with just about anybody. Most of all she loved to spend time with her family.
Married Delbert Tapp (later divorced). Married James Holm in 1979 until his death in 1985. Preceded in death by her parents.
Survived by her three children Holly Clark (Andrew), Dennis Tapp (Cindy), James Holm, 17 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Friday April 3, 2026, from 11:00 am – 11:45 am at Premier Funeral Home located at 67 East 8000 south, Midvale, Utah. Funeral services will be held at the same location at Noon.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Alta Ridge Memory Care and Atlas Hospice for their kind care of mom in her last years.
What’s your fondest memory of Dona?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dona?
Share a story where Dona's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dona you’ll never forget.
How did Dona make you smile?