Donna Ruth Moses

Donna Stirm-Moses

1936–2026

Donna Stirm-Moses, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and accomplished artist, recently went home to be with the Lord; she was 89 years old. Her love of God, family, and country were the hallmarks of her life.

Born in Hillsborough, California, in 1936, Donna grew up in Palo Alto and Atherton, attending both Palo Alto High School and Menlo-Atherton High School. She went on to study Home Economics at Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington. There she met her college sweetheart and the love of her life, Deryl E. Moses. Their marriage of 68 years was the foundation of a family she deeply cherished.

Donna’s Christian faith was central to who she was and how she lived. She taught Bible studies for many years and spoke at Christian Women’s Club gatherings throughout the Bay Area, sharing her faith and encouraging others. Through her teaching, speaking, and friendships, she touched many lives.

A gifted artist, Donna became known for her work in the Pennsylvania Dutch and primitive styles. After moving to Carmel in 1978, she reached an important milestone when her artwork was featured at the Bill Dodge Art Gallery. She later opened her own gallery, The Peasant Folk Collection, in The Barnyard, which she operated for many years. Her artwork was also licensed by Leisure Arts and distributed worldwide, bringing her creativity and message into homes far beyond her own community. More recently, she published two adult coloring books with Harvest House Publishers, Color Heaven’s Angels and Color America, reflecting her enduring love of faith, beauty, and country.

When she wasn’t spending time with family or painting, she loved to travel. Over the years, she and Deryl visited Greece, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Russia, Austria, Norway, Sweden, and all through Europe. Beyond this, she traveled extensively throughout Asia and the South Pacific. Switzerland held a special place in her heart; she spent so much time there that it became practically a second home.

Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Deryl; her three children, Brad, Brian, and Krista; her daughters-in-law, Arlean and Blair; her son-in-law, Jeffrey Yergler; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Donna leaves a lasting legacy of faith, love, and creativity. She will be deeply missed by her family and the many people whose lives she touched.

She will be laid to rest at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Seaside, California.