Donna Ruth Berninzoni

August 5, 1934- April 6, 2016. Donna Ruth Berninzoni, 81, of Cambridge, Nebraska, left this world on April 6th, 2016, with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Edward Berninzoni, she joins her mother Blanche Rauch, father Lowell Rauch, dear sisters Joann and Connie, brother Earl and her great-grandson Adrian Phillips in the gardens of heaven. She is survived by her daughters Jody Sanders of Indian Hills, CO, Sandra Gamez of Sydney, NE, Lanette Berninzoni of Aurora, CO, and Cyndie Berninzoni of Pueblo, CO, her son Jesse Bacon of Norfolk, Virginia, brothers Darrel Rauch, of Parker, CO, Ken Rauch, of Billings, MT, Jim Rauch, of Mesa, CO, and Dale Rauch of North Platte, NE, as well as five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Donna graduated high school in 1953 from Cambridge High School in Cambridge, NE. She unknowingly embodied the school motto “Not Finished, Just Begun.” She moved to Denver during the summer of 1953, where she met her first husband Clifton Bacon. They married and raised a family of three children, residing in both Denver and Evergreen. She was dedicated to her children and cared for them with a big heart, a sense of humor, unconditional love and support. Donna was an avid gardener, a wonderful cook, and baker of amazing desserts and fresh breads. Her 3-layer chocolate mint cake was always a requested birthday favorite. Donna always kept an immaculate and orderly house that served her family well. Her second marriage was to Eddie Berninzoni in 1981. Together, they shared many happy fishing and camping trips as well as travels to family occasions. Donna had a very strong work ethic and served in the food service industry for over thirty years. She was self-sacrificing and always put her family first and foremost. She hosted countless family holiday gatherings with grace and etiquette. Donna loved to read and write poetry. Her poem entitled "My Little Friend,” about her Shih Tzu dog was published much to her delight. She always wrote her poetry and letters in an elegant and artistic cursive penmanship. Donna was a 20-year cancer survivor and fought a brave recovery until the disease returned this year. She was forever an optimist even when life challenged her otherwise. Her smile and sweet laughter was adored by all who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.