Donna Jean Makoff

Donna Jean (Lane) Makoff of Bozeman passed away surrounded by her family at Parkhaven Retirement Community in Manhattan, MT on February 6, 2026. She was born October 3, 1933, in Three Forks, MT, to parents Michael Frederick "Fred" Lane and Marion Elizabeth (Tees) Lane.

Donna attended Three Forks High School where she met the love of her life, Edward Max Makoff. They were married for 67 years until Ed's death in 2022.

Donna grew up in a large family with a home that was open to anyone in need of a meal or a place to stay. Throughout her life, she practiced the generosity and kindness she learned from her parents.

Donna had a strong connection to and love for the past and was the unofficial keeper of the oral history of the "Fred" Lane family. She treasured finding old photos or antiques and would especially shine when she talked about family heirlooms and their stories. She passed this passion on to one of her nephews and was an integral part of a robust Lane genealogy that continues to be built.

She loved spending time with friends and family, playing bridge, golfing, reading, RVing, and in her younger years she enjoyed motor biking and water and snow skiing. Throughout the years, Donna rescued pets including her dogs Pepi, Coco, Yuma, and Wagzz, and a parakeet named Pumpkin. Donna was a member of the Holy Rosary Parish in Bozeman.

In 1951-52, Donna attended Kinman Business College in Spokane, WA. She moved back to Bozeman after college and worked at the Gallatin Trust and Savings Bank. Over the years, military service and work allowed Donna and Ed to call many different places home. They lived in San Antonio, TX; Denver, CO; Hardin, MT; Grand Coulee, WA; and Bismarck, ND. The couple finally returned to Bozeman in 1987 and spent many winters in Sun City, AZ.

Some of Donna's best memories were from her 15 years in Bismarck where she made many lifelong friendships. She was deeply involved in the community, her church, and various charitable organizations. This is also where she found and honed her penchant for golf. She became quite good and, one year, was crowned City League Champion.

Her survivors include brothers Joe Pete Lane (Joyce) of Palm Desert, CA, and Pat John Lane (Carol) of Missoula; sister-in-law Lahoma Lane of Vancouver, WA and sister-in-law Carol Makoff of Bozeman; step siblings-in-law Rosalie McCormick of Three Forks; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Edward; parents "Fred" and Marion; siblings Mary Lou (Lane) Mintling, Madeline (Lane) Todd, and Frederick "Mike" Lane; sisters-in-law Josephine Broshears, Maxine Levy, and Betty Jane Anthony; brothers-in-law Donald "Cotton" Todd, Richard "Dick" Mintling, Walter "Micky" Makoff, Victor Makoff, and Donald Makoff; step siblings-in-law Robert "Mac" McCormick, James "J.R." McCormick, "Peggy" (McCormick) Haigh, Phyllis (Lane) McCormick, Rodger McCormick, Ralph McCormick, George "Sam" McCormick, and William McCormick.

To continue Donna's legacy of kindness, the family suggests donations be made in Donna's name to Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter https://www.heartofthevalleyshelter.org/donate-today-page/ or the MAPS Media Institute After School Program https://mapsmediainstitute.com/donate

A Vigil will be held at K & L Mortuary in Three Forks on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at 6:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 11 at 11:00 am, at the Holy Family Parish in Three Forks. Father Bart Tolleson and Deacon Warner Holm will officiate. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Three Forks. Immediately after the burial, a luncheon will be held in the Holy Family Parish basement fellowship hall.

K&L Mortuaries & Crematory of Three Forks is in charge of arrangements.