Dona Gurtler Holland

Dona Gurtler Holland passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016. By her side were her loving companion, Arvel Martin, her daughter, Kristen Hale, and three exceptional caregivers, Annette Chinn, Ines Mahung, and Nicole Belcher. She bravely faced her disease with the motto she would "live with ALS, not die with it."
Dona was born on July 28, 1946 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Margaret and Clarence Gurtler. She became a Texan at the age of 8 when they moved to Dallas. From a young age, Dona had a love for family, friends, horses, dancing, art, and having fun.
Dona attended R. L. Turner High School, Stephen F. Austin State University, where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and graduated from the University of North Texas. After graduation, she married her childhood sweetheart. They were blessed with her greatest gift, a daughter, Kristen.
Dona found her strength and independence pursuing her career in interior design. Her passions included adventure. One of her favorite trips was riding on the back of a motorcycle through Colorado to Sturgis. She remained active with Chi Omega, Ranchers Ride, and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She was a founding member of Amgias Para Ninos where an annual scholarship fund was established in her name. The scholarship embodies all that she exemplified; strength of character, positivity, creativity, and the determination to persevere in the face of adversity.
Always the "go-to" person for her friends and family, Dona will remain a strong and guiding inspiration to those who survive her. She was a most devoted mother to Kristen Hale and Godmother to Erin Meadows. Also surviving is her loving companion Arvel Martin, son-in-law Greg Hale, grandson Ryan Holland Hale, and step grandchildren Caroline, Cameron, and Bridget Hale as well as Jackson Martin, Nick Martin, and Ginny Martin Gilger.
A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 4pm. Following the service, guests are invited to the Hines Baker Room. Donations can be made to Amigas Para Ninos, Dona G. Holland Scholarship Fund and mailed to 14 Cowboy Way, Richmond, Texas 77406 or the ALS Association, Texas Chapter. www.ALSTexas.org