Donna was born and raised in Kewanee where she and her family still reside. Her beloved husband of 39 years, William Boardman is now with Jesus. Together they were blessed with a daughter Heidi, son Ty, and three grandchildren.

Donna is a graduate of Kewanee High School, Black Hawk College and was in management at Boss Manufacturing Co, Kewanee for 49 years, retiring in Oct 2020.

She has been a member of the Kewanee First United Methodist Church since she was 5 months old.  In 2005 God called her into active ministry.

After additional education and training, in 2009 Donna was approved by the IL Great Rivers Conference to be a Certified Lay Minister of the United Methodist Church, one of the first in the denomination and the state of Illinois.  She is currently serving God and His people at Kewanee First UMC, on two IGRC committees and regularly assists other churches in the surrounding area.

Donna says, 

“Since God touched my heart, I want nothing more than to live responsively to His call and purpose on my life, to share His forgiveness, love, joy, hope and peace with others.  I have a passion for the lost and those hurting.” As a Certified Lay Minister the gifts God has given me through the Holy Spirit empower me to do ministry, my mission, in His service.  He inspires and enables me to preach, teach/disciple, visit the sick and elderly, encourage and serve .. and it humbles me to do so.  Serving God and the people dear to His heart and mine is an indescribable joy. To God be the Glory!”