Date of Birth: June 02, 1944
Date of Death: February 15, 2023
On Wednesday, February 15th, 2023, LaDonna Kay Tucker, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Scottsdale, AZ at the age of 78 after a struggle with Alzheimer's. LaDonna is remembered for her wit, empathy, intelligence, and generosity. She had a contagious laugh, big heart, and huge smile. LaDonna touched the lives of so many with her kindness, humor, and selflessness. LaDonna was born on Friday, June 2nd, 1944 at the Bonne Terre Hospital in Flat River, MO to Floyd and Hazel (Richards) McNabb. LaDonna graduated from Flat River High School in Flat River, MO in 1962. After High School, LaDonna earned her Associate degree in Pre-Teaching in Elementary School from the Flat River Junior College in 1964. LaDonna married her high school sweetheart, James Gary Tucker on Friday, August 28, 1965. LaDonna and Jim were blessed with two children, Brian Tucker and Staci Tucker. LaDonna was a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother. Nothing brought her greater joy than bringing happiness to her family. LaDonna is survived by her two children, and her grandchildren, Alyssa Tucker and Aaron Tucker. LaDonna’s love for education led her to multiple positions at elementary, junior high and university administration positions with an emphasis on financial aid. Following her retirement from Thunderbird Graduate School, LaDonna and James were active volunteers with the Transplant Alliance, giving back to organizations that helped extend James’ life with a heart transplant.
Service Information
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 at Best Funeral Services, 501 E Dunlap Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020 at 9:45am followed by a short ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024 at 12:30pm. A reception will follow at 1:00pm at 412 E Yearling Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85085.
Contributions
As organ donation played a huge role in LaDonna and Jim’s lives along with Alzheimer’s please consider a donation to the Transplant Community Alliance at https://www.aplos.com/aws/give/TransplantAZ/donate or the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org in lieu of Flowers.