About

Donna is an American writer, born in the United States of America in North Platte, NB, growing up primarily in Topeka, KS.  She graduated from high school, from that very famous wild west place, Dodge City, KS. 

In her early years as a young lady, Donna was a graduate of Western Union Telegraphy School, Oklahoma City, OK and Pan American Airways  “Reservations and Travel Course" where she went on to  work  as a reservation agent for Pan American Airways and subsequently Delta Airlines.  She attended Friends University, Wichita, KS.  and studied Voice Performance at Lotte Lehman’s Music Academy of the West, Santa Barbara, CA.  Donna holds a Master of Divinity degree from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois and has advanced standing in Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.

She has served as a parish pastor and as a hospital chaplain, with hours of counseling people with the challenges presented in life.  Her passion lies with helping those struggling to live with a loved one who suffers from addiction.  

Donna has been honored along with other colleagues for being a pioneer for women in ministry within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  In retirement, Donna has served as  a pastor in the Presbyterian denomination.  She is a recognized retreat facilitator, both one day and weekend events.  Her retreats have been tailored for senior citizens, spouses of pastors, pastors and their spouses as well as a formal  "Foot Washing of Jesus" program.   

Donna continues to make her self available for speaking engagements.  Among some of her presentations is one that is a humorous accounting that takes you back to the early days of women in ministry.  She is currently writing her third book on this very subject entitled "The Preacher Wore a Skirt".  

Donna's personal favorite topic to speak upon is Faith and learning to live in it.  Her transparency and willingness to share her own personal growth in faith through her inspirational stories are what have drawn so many to awaken.

Donna is a widow with two adult children, and resides in Glen Allen, VA.  

Email Donna at  pastordonna@donnarugglesauthor.com