Donna Paup

Donna Marie Paup, 71, of Mechanicsville, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids. The family is being cared for by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Private family burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville. A Celebration of Life will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Memorial Building in Mechanicsville.

Donna was born September 16, 1954, in Iowa, daughter to Manuel “Dave” and Margaret “Marge” (Dauber) Himes. Donna was united in marriage to Calvin Paup on January 10, 1972, in Mechanicsville.

Donna was a dedicated volunteer and proud member of the Mechanicsville History Center, where she devoted much of her time and energy to preserving and celebrating the history of her beloved community. Strong-willed and determined, Donna had a genuine heart for helping others and was always willing to lend a hand. She also volunteered with the Mechanicsville Ambulance, further demonstrating her commitment to caring for those around her.

Donna loved creating memories with her family, especially through vacations and camping trips. She enjoyed going on cruises with Calvin and cherished the time they spent traveling and experiencing new places together. She was a fan of “It’s a Small World” and took great pride in her hometown of Mechanicsville. Donna was instrumental in the restoration of the Spirit of the American Doughboy statue at Rose Hill Cemetery. She wrote an article advocating for its restoration and was proud to help preserve this meaningful piece of Mechanicsville’s history.

In her quieter moments, Donna enjoyed scrolling through Facebook and keeping in touch with friends through her various groups. Whether volunteering, preserving history, traveling with her family, or simply connecting with friends, Donna had a way of making a lasting impact on the people and community she loved.

Donna is survived by her husband, Calvin Paup; children, Chad (Renae) Paup of Clarence, Iowa, and Stacy (Nate Sprott) Griffith of Mechanicsville; grandchildren, Cameron Paup and Samantha (Keynan Pearson) Paup; siblings, Dan (Janet Walker) Himes of Dubuque, Iowa, David (Deb) Himes, of Mechanicsville, and Deanna Mizaur of Mechanicsville; she was a special aunt to many nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces; and her fur grandbabies, Izzy, Leda, Leroy, and Atlas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dee Himes; and son-in-law, Don Griffith Jr.