Donna Reiners Binfield

Donna Reiners Binfield, a longtime resident of Hastings, Nebraska, died peacefully at Heritage of College View Saturday, May 4th at the age of 83. Memorial services are scheduled with Pastor Joel Remmers for Wednesday, May 8 , 11:00 AM at First St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, NE, followed by a burial service at Parkview Cemetery and a luncheon at Barrett Alumni Center, 1001 N. 6 th Avenue.

Donna graduated in 1953 from Hastings High School with a love of art and horses. In 1956 she married Duane Reiners. They soon settled on a farm North East of Hastings and were together 16 years. They were blessed with four children, three sons, and a daughter. Donna while raising the children was a hardworking farm wife, in addition, working as a legal secretary.

In 1974 she purchased a home and acreage in the country near Juniata. Donna continued her secretarial work while further developing her artistic talent. Donna married Gayle Binfield in 1982 and they were together for 27 years. She was a stepmom, grandma, and great-grandma to the Binfield family.

While married to Gayle, Donna was able to paint and create art full time and her career blossomed.  Her works were displayed at the Governor’s Art Show, Nebraska Land Days, and noted galleries throughout the state, and as far away as the Grand National Horse and Art Show in San Francisco. She was a founding member of Prairie Winds Cooperative Gallery in Grand Island, a signature member in the Midwest Pastel Society, and past president of the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs. Her pastel Sumac Ridge was acquired and is part of the collection of the Museum of Nebraska Art.

She was a sweet and fun-loving woman, who loved God and all his creations. Donna appreciated nature and Nebraska landscapes and enjoyed sharing stories and having her family around her. She will be remembered as a caring and gentle, yet resilient woman when facing life’s challenges. Donna was an active and dedicated member of First St Paul’s Lutheran Church and supported many causes including the Humane Society, and the Oregon Trail Rodeo.

Donna is survived by her four children, son Greg Reiners and his wife Janice and their daughters, Jess Reiners of Grand Island and Becka Reiners of Doniphan; her sons Dave Reiners of Hastings and Joel Reiners of Juniata and Joel’s children Jake Stutzman of Lincoln and Jody Stutzman of Hastings, James Reiners of Albion, and Roxanne Reiners of Redding, CA; her daughter Robin Reiners of Incline Village, NV and son-in-law Michael Carpenter of Reno, NV. She was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Dena Fitzke; her sister & brother-in-law Marlys & Gale Jones of Tacoma, WA; her brother & sister-in-law, Ken & Joelle Fitzke of Woodstock, GA and step-grandson, Jacob Binfield of Topeka, KS.

Additional survivors are nieces Michele Jones of Hastings, Sheri Karanosas of WA; nephews Craig Jones, Kevin Jones, and Doug Jones of WA.  Her stepchildren and families; Jeff & Pam Binfield of Wood River, NE; Debbie and Doug Ablott of Inland, NE; Brad and Jenny Binfield of Topeka, KS; Mike & Barb Binfield of Doniphan, NE; Mitch & Sharon Binfield of Grand Island, NE; and Kelly Binfield of Elgin, TX, along with 11 step-grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Donna’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, the Humane Society or Start Over Rover.

The family would like to thank all the caring individuals from Home Instead, The Heritage at College View Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Asera Care Hospice for all their loving and extraordinarily dedicated personnel.