Donna Ruth Jenkins (born Rutledge) went to heaven the night of December 5, 2025, at CHI St Vincent North, Sherwood, AR.
Donna was born on August 27, 1949, in West Helena, Arkansas to Rev. Andrew Jackson “AJ” and Lena Geneva Rutledge (née McKenzie) where her father pastored the First Assembly of God church. Donna grew up in small towns in Arkansas, and a short stay in California. The family eventually settled in Jacksonville, AR where Donna graduated from high school in 1966 and built many lifelong friendships, especially Pamela Morris (née Smith). Donna attended Assembly of God Southwest College and University in Waxahachie, TX where she gave birth to her first son, Gary Lee Huff. After several years the family moved back to Jacksonville, AR where she gave birth to her second son, Jonathan “Jon” Andrew Huff. Donna worked for more than a decade at General Telephone Electric in Jacksonville. She continued her career at First Electric Cooperative in Jacksonville and Arkansas Painting & Specialties in Little Rock, from which she retired. While working at Arkansas Painting & Specialties, she met Danny Ray Jenkins, and they married in 2001. They made their home in Ward, AR. Danny loved and adored Donna until her passing.
Donna was predeceased by her parents AJ and Lena, brother Daniel Ray Rutledge who died as a toddler and sister Joyce Garman.
Donna is survived by her husband, Danny Ray Jenkins and his children and grandchildren as well as Danny’s 5 sisters and their children and grandchildren, her brother William “Bill” Rutledge, his wife Lois and their two daughters Kelly Butcher (née Rutledge) and Ashley Koonce (née Rutledge), their husbands and children, her nephews (Joyce’s sons) Randall “Marlowe” Small and Perry Small and their wives and children. Donna is also survived by her sons Gary who lives in Austin, TX and Jon who lives in Atlanta, GA.; and her dog Bubba that she loved dearly. Donna will be forever missed by her family and many friends she made throughout her life.
Donna’s Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday December 11, 2025 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM in the chapel of A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to any animal shelter in Donna’s honor.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
6 Comments
To the family. You guys have my deepest sympathy. Donna will be missed. GOD has smiled on my beloved friend and has set her free to enter into his kingdom. I am so thankful for all of the good times that we had together. I wish that we had more time but I am not the author of life so I am thankful for what the Lord allowed. Donna will be missed. Rest in peace my beautiful friend. You will forever be in our hearts. I know that you are up there walking in the light. I love you sister girl. Your friend Shirley McDaniel
So sorry about your loss. I worked with Donna at General Telephone and I remember her as a happy beautiful lady. She was always laughing. Prayers for the family.
Such sad news. Donna was a wonderful lady and was a pleasure to be around. I had the privilege to work with Donna for several years at GTE and remember her and those times fondly! RIP Donna!
Donna was a good woman and friend. I had the privilege and pleasure to work with her for several years at GTE! RIP Donna….you will be missed!
Sorry for your loss, I remember her smiling face from working years at GTE
So so sad to hear of Donna’s passing., I grew up knowing her, and the Rutledge’s at 1st Assembly Of God in Jacksonville, AR. Praying for God’s peace and comfort for her sons and family🙏 Sending my love♥️
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