. - Donna Rae Lutz

August 31, 1933 - April 30, 2026

Donna was born in Edson, Kansas to Ethel Gard and Joseph Laughlin. In 1936 her family moved to Benkelman, NE where her father pursued a career as a mortician. Donna was the middle child, her older sister, JoAnne, and her younger brother, Kenneth have both preceded her in death.

Donna graduated from high school in Benkelman, NE and in May 1953 she married Robert (Bob) Lutz. They were married for 67 years until his death in July 2020. As newlyweds they bought a farm in Parks, NE where their first 3 children were born. In 1960 they moved to Paso Robles, CA where Bob got a job as a counselor at the California Youth Authority and Donna sold Avon cosmetics. They rounded out their family with a 4th child in Paso Robles. In 1972 Bob was transferred to the CA Youth Authority in Camarillo, CA so they moved their family to Camarillo.

In Camarillo, Donna volunteered with several organizations. She was a wedding coordinator for their church (Camarillo United Methodist) for 14 years, volunteered for Y.E.S. (Youth Employment Services) for 30 years as well as C.A.T. (Christians Acting Together) Thrift Shop since 1976. In 2003, Donna and Bob were honored when the title of Don and Dona of Camarillo was bestowed on them for their many years of community volunteering.

Donna loved word games, reading and mostly spending time with family. She is survived by son Terry Lutz and wife Lisa of Santa Rosa Valley, CA, daughter Joy Lutz of Camarillo, son Kent Lutz of Bullhead City, AZ and daughter Joan Lutz of Oxnard, CA as well as 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Donna wished to thank her amazing family for caring for her and making sure she was safe and comfortable. We also want to thank Community Care & Hospice, LLC for their invaluable time, and expertise along with the staff and caregivers at Alma Via Assisted Living Center in Camarillo where she resided since March 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Donna's behalf to Community Care & Hospice, LLC, Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra (CHICO), or Camarillo United Methodist Church.

There will be a combined memorial service for Donna and Bob Lutz at a later date.