Donna Mae Sheriff Little, age 91, passed away on July 2, 2022 in Delta, Utah. She was born on September 2, 1930 in Caliente, Nevada, the third of the seven children born to Guy Olen and Hazel Zeffie Porter Sheriff. She was raised in Lynndyl, Utah. She had many great times with her siblings, especially singing many years in a quartet with three of her sisters. They performed at many events and even won a few prestigious competitions. Donna graduated from Delta High School in 1948, and then attended Brigham Young University. She married the love of her life, Sherman Mangum Little on October 14, 1949 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They first made their home in Utah County, living in Lehi, Provo and Orem. When her husband was recruited to manage some Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants, she took a big hand in the operation as well. They moved to Riverside and later Yorba Linda, California while managing several KFC restaurants in southern California. When Sherman was given the job of District Director, Donna decided she would go back to school and become a court reporter. Donna worked many years in the Las Vegas court system. She excelled at her job and was chosen specifically by a number of judges. She also opened her own business, Aaro Certified Court Reporters, managing a staff of several other court reporters. She chose the name ‘Aaro’ so it would be the first listing in the yellow pages. After a very successful career, Donna retired in 1993. She and Sherman returned to Delta where they grew up, because it always felt more like home. Sherman passed away on October 28, 2010.
Donna had the spirit of an artist. She wrote poetry and did oil paintings. She will be especially remembered for her beautiful wedding cakes, because of her skill in frosting and decorating. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an indomitable spirit. She never allowed anyone to convince her she couldn’t do something, because in short order Donna would prove them wrong.
Donna was a faithful member of the LDS Church, serving in Relief Society and Primary programs. She even served as a seminary teacher in Yorba Linda. She and Sherman also served as temple workers in the Manti Temple.
Donna is survived by her sons: Guy (Elizabeth) Little, Delta; Mark (Linda) Little, Las Vegas, NV; 9 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; sister: Nona Duncan, Delta. She is preceded in death by her husband: Sherman; and siblings: Olen Sheriff, Shirley Roberts, Velda Shirts, Gwen Ridgley, and Sybil Lallas.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 7, at 11:00am, at the Nickle Mortuary Chapel, 190 S Center St, Delta. A Viewing will be held, 9:30-10:40am, prior to service. Friends unable to attend are invited to view the recorded video of the Service. Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery.