Donna JoAnn Steele Bach-Patterson was born on May 26, 1935, in Gooding, Idaho, to godly parents David Marcelus “Mark” Steele and Kate Edith (Williams) Steele. Raised on a farm in the beautiful Hagerman Valley, Donna learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and family from an early age.

Donna was the youngest of five children, with siblings George, Maxine, Allene, and Fern, all of whom were married and raising families by the time she came along. Her father was blinded in a mining accident before she was born so Donna took on many responsibilities around the farm. She grew up as an all-around farmhand, tending livestock, riding horses, and helping wherever she was needed. Despite her many chores, she always found time to explore the beautiful Hagerman Valley and the Snake River, places she would always hold dear.

Donna attended school in Hagerman, where she met her childhood sweetheart, James Frederick “Jim” Bach. The two married on February 4, 1952, and began a life together that would bring them six children: Paul, Mark, Erik, Melinda, Michelle, and Derek. Their infant son, Erik, passed away shortly after birth. Soon after their marriage, Donna and Jim moved to California, where they lived for 13 years before returning to Idaho.

Back in Idaho, Donna cherished making memories with her children. The family enjoyed camping, boating, snowmobiling, and many other adventures, including an especially memorable trip through Mexico in a camper. Above all, Donna loved spending time with her children and creating experiences they would remember for a lifetime. Donna and Jim divorced in 1977.

On June 1, 1976, Donna began a new chapter in her life when she received her real estate license. What began as a career became a lifelong passion that lasted until her retirement in 2021. She joined Western Realty, where she met her broker, L. James Koutnik. Their professional partnership grew into a lasting relationship, and together they traveled to many wonderful places, including the Panama Canal and Hawaii.

Donna earned her broker’s license and became a partner in the firm. She was the first female broker in the state of Idaho. She traveled throughout the United States to attend educational classes and teach others in the real estate profession. Her dedication and leadership earned her numerous honors and opportunities to serve, including state delegate, board president, and Realtor of the Year.

In 1986, Donna and L. James purchased a Coldwell Banker franchise, and the company became Coldwell Banker Western Realty. Following L. James’s passing in December 1988, Donna became the sole owner of the firm. Her success in a demanding industry reflected the determination, strong work ethic, and independence she had developed as a young girl working on the family farm.

One of the most important milestones in Donna’s life came on March 29, 1986, when she became a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. She was deeply proud of her sobriety and grateful for the life it made possible. Donna loved Jesus and credited her sobriety to her faith in Him as her Lord and Savior. Her faith remained a cornerstone of her life, providing strength, hope, and purpose throughout her journey.

In 1988, Shey Patterson joined the Coldwell Banker firm. Having spent many years in the cattle business, Shey was beginning a new career following a tractor accident. Over time, their professional relationship blossomed into love, and Donna and Shey were married on November 4, 1990.

Donna and Shey shared a love of travel and explored the world together, visiting Turkey, Israel, many parts of Europe, and Mexico. Their life together brought them many treasured adventures, but one of their greatest challenges came when Shey was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and needed a kidney transplant. In what Donna considered a wonderful example of God’s plan, she proved to be a perfect match. In 1996, she donated one of her kidneys to Shey, giving him the gift of more years of life and the opportunity to continue their travels together. He lived with Donna’s donated kidney until his passing on May 29, 2013.

After Shey’s passing, Donna began spending her winters in Phoenix with her son Derek, his wife, Celene, and her grandchildren Kate and Jericho. She treasured this time with her family until they moved to Texas in 2021.

Donna will be remembered for her remarkable strength, independent spirit, generous heart, deep faith, and wonderful sense of humor. She loved sharing laughter and stories with family and friends and had a way of making those around her feel part of her life and adventures. From her early days working on an Idaho farm to building a successful real estate business, traveling the world, and giving the gift of life to her husband, Donna lived a life marked by determination, love, faith, and generosity.

Donna’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the family she loved so dearly, the friendships she treasured, and the memories that will continue to bring laughter and comfort to those who knew her.

Donna is survived by her children Mark (Sandra), Melinda (John), Michelle (Colin), and Derek (Celene); her grandchildren Verrick (Shannon), Chelsea (Kenneth), Heather (Sione), Christopher (Kim), Adam (Jazz), Nicole, Kate, Jericho, Jennifer (Scott), and Michael; 16 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Erik; her first husband, Jim; her companion, L. James Koutnik; her second husband, Shey; and her oldest son, Paul.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to TBN or Twin Falls Nazarene Church in Donna's memory.