Dona Ruth Dunkovich

Hurricane, UT – Dona Dunkovich, 80, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024, in St. George, UT. She was born on November 9, 1943, in Santa Monica, CA to Alan Brandau Carpenter and Ruth Alleman Carpenter. She was married to Leonard Dunkovich in Yorba Linda, CA on January 27, 1972. Dona was raised in Southern California, in the cities of Brea and Yorba Linda, the first child born in her family. She was a very smart child and excelled in academics. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from BYU, and while working in Marketing Research at North American Rockwell Corporation, completed two Master’s degrees in Communication and Journalism from Cal State Fullerton. It was also at work where she met Leonard Dunkovich, an aerospace engineer in 1971. Dona was an active member in the Hurricane 17th Ward, serving in many callings including Relief Society President and Gospel Doctrine Teacher. She made many friends and loved to work as a substitute teacher for special needs children in the local school district. Dona enjoyed baking cookies, gardening, reading, and journaling. She was a cat-lover, taking care of numerous pets and feeding strays over the years, including a wild baby bunny, named Bugsy. Always concerned with keeping in touch, she never forgot a birthday or special occasion, faithfully sending thoughtful cards to relatives and friends. Dona is survived by her husband, Leonard Dunkovich of Hurricane, UT; brother, Tom Carpenter (wife Christine) of St. George, UT; brother, Jerry Carpenter (wife Debi) of Yorba Linda, CA; niece, Elise Carpenter of Raleigh, NC; niece Ashleigh Campbell (husband Brett) of Phoenix, AZ; niece, Amanda Bethel (husband Corby) of Norco, CA; niece Tara Bishop (husband Gordon) of Pleasant Grove, UT; and nephew, David Ullah of Windsor, CO. She is also survived by eight great nieces and nephews: Luke, Kelsey, Camden, Kayleigh and Mackenzie Campbell; Corby “Junior” Bethel; Jasmine Hinton (husband Joel) of Las Vegas, NV; and Jaden Bishop of Salt Lake City, UT. She is preceded in death by parents, Alan and Ruth Carpenter, and sister, Lori Noble. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 31 at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the LDS Stake Center at 677 S 700 W, Hurricane, UT 84737, with the viewing and family visitation from 9:30 – 10:30 AM. Interment will be held at the Hurricane City Cemetery at 255 E 600 N, Hurricane, UT 84737. Services will be available live streaming via Zoom at: https://zoom.us/j/92593364523?pwd=Sy9OZVNVYk5tU0V5aTFXSlRQL1hqZz09 Meeting ID: 925 9336 4523 Passcode: 574624 Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SerenityStG.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, 435-986-9100.

Dona Ruth Dunkovich

November 9, 1943 - January 26, 2024