Donna Maree Van Hofwegen

Donna Maree Van Hofwegen, born on January 17, 1946, in Santa Barbara, California, passed away peacefully at her home in Buhl, Idaho, on May 7, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of Otis Donald Cox and Delilah Marie Cox, who cherished her throughout her life. As a child, Donna spent her early years on the Santa Barbara mesa, a landscape rich with farms and fruit orchards, creating many fond memories that she carried with her.

A proud graduate of Westminster High School in June 1963, Donna forged a remarkable career in the aerospace industry. Her professional journey began with the McDonnell-Douglas Corporation, where she contributed her talents to the Skylab project from 1965 to 1980. She later served California State University, Dominguez Hills from 1983 to 1989, followed by a significant role at Northrop Grumman, working on the B2 bomber from 1989 to 1999. In addition to her professional commitments, Donna devoted herself to her family, helping to raise two of her cherished grandchildren, for which they remain eternally grateful.

Donna married Len Van Hofwegen on April 1, 1973, a date that often led to lighthearted teasing as "April fools." Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared passions. Throughout their marriage, Donna developed a deep affection for animals, particularly enjoying time spent with their dogs, Tawny and Coco. She also had a lifelong passion for horses, which occupied a special place in her heart and her home.

A woman of diverse interests, Donna delighted in playing with her dogs and tackling crossword puzzles, a testament to her sharp mind and keen wit. Known to many as a human spell checker, her friends and family admired her intelligence and attention to detail.

Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Len Van Hofwegen; her son, Chris Newton; and her grandchildren, Amanda Newton, Trey (Jerry Lee III) Darensbourg, Matt Newton, and Miranda Darensbourg. She is also survived by her loving mother, Marie Cox; her sisters, Dianne Slinkard and Linda Willis; as well as her loyal canine companions.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Cox; her daughter, Charmain Darensbourg; and her father, Don Cox.

A Celebration of Life to honor Donna will be held from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm, Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Garibaldi's Restaurant, 645 Filer Ave, Twin Falls, Idaho. Friends and family are invited to join together in remembrance of a remarkable woman whose legacy will be cherished forever.

Memorial donations may be made in Donna's name to the American Cancer Society.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Donna's memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.

With the shadow of Mother’s Day looming overhead, our family grieves the loss of yet another powerful woman.

Born to the maiden name Donna Maree Cox, my grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep last night, May 7, 2025. She was bravely fighting a terminal metastatic brain tumor that was discovered earlier this month. I will forever miss her outgoing personality, generosity, and outlandish sense of humor. Pivotal in raising my sister and I at an early age, my grandma very quickly and concretely became one of our favorite human beings. Many valuable lessons, fond memories, and hearty laughs will survive her in our minds.For my family, this weekend will be celebrated in bittersweet remembrance of the matriarchal pillars that helped us to get to where we are today. For those of you fortunate enough to still have invaluable figures such as my mom and grandmother in your lives, hold them closer in appreciation. Our time in this world is more finite than we will ever know.

Love you lots Nana,

Hasta Mañana

Tribute written by Trey Darensbourg, Grandson