Donna Jean (Tillman) Hepper passed away March 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18 at Spirit of Life, 801 First St SE, Mandan. The service will be live streamed on the Spirit of Life Facebook Page.

Family will greet guests from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A vigil service will begin at 7 p.m. The vigil will be live streamed on a link found below. 

Burial will be held at Mandan Union Cemetery, Mandan.

Donna was born on June 16, 1940, to Alvin and Laura (Froien) Tillman in Flasher, ND. She was the youngest of three children. She was 10 years old when she lost her mother and 18 years old when she lost her father. She spent her early years growing up in Shields, ND, Mobridge, SD, Omaha, NE, and McLaughlin, SD.

It was in McLaughlin, SD, that she met her life-long husband, Rudy Hepper. The two were married at Selfridge Baptist Church on November 19, 1956. Together, they raised six children.

They enjoyed their first few weeks of marriage traveling the country and settled in Lebanon, OR for a short time. The two returned to Minot, ND, but eventually established their home north of Fort Yates. It was here that they built their farm and ranch business. In addition to building a business and raising six children, Donna worked in the Fort Yates school system. As the farm and ranch business grew, she eventually spent her time helping run the ranch. It was common to see Donna operating farm and ranch equipment, preparing meals for ranch crews, bookkeeping, helping with her grandchildren and tending to her large yard and garden.

Later in life, Donna developed macular degeneration that launched another challenging yet fulfilling chapter in life. She learned how to cope with her disability and became immersed in the ND Association of the Blind where she went on various adventures around the country, advocating for the visually impaired. Through this and her strong faith in the Lord, Donna set an impressive example of how to live a life filled with joy regardless of her limited vision.

She instilled an abundance of love and family togetherness in her children and grandchildren, who loved her deeply. Throughout her life, she served as a mentor and supporter to both family and close friends. Donna took a keen interest in all her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, continually staying connected and informed. She was an excellent listener who knew how to encourage others while challenging them to be better.

Donna is survived by her six children, Gary (Molly) Hepper, Sandy (Clayton) Marcellais, Roxanne Hepper, Nancy (Jorge) Pichardo, Wayne (Bridget Bahm) Hepper, and Robin (Steve) Gates; grandchildren, Brad (Rita) Hepper, Cate Hepper, Annie Roquette, Christina (Chris) Sarvis, Clayton Marcellais Jr, Ethan Marcellais, Tessa Archambault, Jayme (Tavis) Archambault, Samantha (Chance) Archambault, Lexi (Cray) Hudson, Soraida (Leo) Pichardo, Emma Hepper, Meg Hepper, Hannah Holloway, Codi (JP) Feland & Casie (Brennen) Rossman; eleven great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy Hepper, Jr.; brother, Richard and Peggy Tillman; parents, Alvin and Laura Tillman; nephews, Bill Tillman and Ricky Bratvold and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Memorials are preferred to the North Dakota Association of the Blind, https://ndab.org/home-2/donate/.