Dona Mae Aja

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Dona Mae Lovitt Aja. She was born December 8, 1932 in Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Willard and Viola Lovitt. Dona went to meet her Lord peacefully on January 9, 2020 at the Madison House with family by her side. She was laid to rest in the Cahone cemetery, next to her beloved husband Manuel of 62 years of marriage. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the First Baptist church of Cortez, Colorado.
As a young child Dona lived with her family in Kansas, Cahone, Colorado and Mesa, Arizona. She attended schools in Cahone, Dolores, Mesa, and Tempe Arizona. Dona was baptized at a young age and attended Sunday school and church faithfully. While attending Arizona State University, she met her future husband, Manuel Aja Jr. They were married on her 19th birthday on December 8, 1951 and celebrated 62 years of marriage.
Dona, Manuel, and children were members of the First Southern Baptist Church of Buckeye where she taught Sunday school classes and played the piano. She worked at Buckeye Elementary school for many years as secretary to the principle. Her office was joined by the nurse’s station so her title was secretary/nurse aide. She helped many of the young children and their families during that time.
In 1984 Manuel and Dona sold their farm in Buckeye and bought Dona’s parents farm in Cahone, Colorado where they farmed for twelve years before retiring in the Cahone area. Manuel and Dona were members of the Fellowship Baptist church in Cahone. Dona enjoyed playing the piano and organ, and she also helped start the Friday night women’s bible study. After Manuel’s passing, Dona, along with her children, made the decision to become a resident at Madison House Assisted living in Cortez, CO. She enjoyed her time there playing piano and starting a bible devotion class at the age of 86. She attended the First Baptist church of Cortez, as well as being involved in the afternoon church services at Madison House.
Dona’s creativity glowed in her sewing, quilting, cooking, gardening, canning, and her love for antiques. With a twinkle in her eye she shared and taught her skills to others. Dona made a quilt for each of her four children, twelve grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Although she leaves behind a family that misses her dearly, she also leaves behind her legacy. She taught us to treat others with respect and kindness, to be strong in our faith, and give thanks for our blessings.
Dona is survived by her children, Pam Aja Lanford, Paula Newby and husband Rick, Manuel S. Aja and wife Lucinda, and Trina Tafoya and husband Joe; her 12 grandchildren, Meredith Mauck and husband Nick, Davey Kerr and wife Stephanie, Devin Newby and wife Erika, Will Aja and wife Jai, Kristin Llamas and husband Eissac, and Mathew Rains and wife Sylvia; her eight great-grandchildren, Taryn, Maesyn, Baylie, Lakyn, Hyder, Liam, Seth, and Matthew, and was joyfully awaiting baby Newby, due in May; her brothers, Cloyd Lovitt and wife Lynette, and Robert Lovitt and wife Colleen. Dona was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Viola Lovitt; her husband Manuel Aja Jr.; her son-in-law Bill Lanford; and her granddaughter, Jamie Lanford Daniels.
Memorial contributions can be made in Dona’s name to Hospice of Montezuma, PO Box 740, Cortez, CO 81321; or to the First Baptist Church, PO Box 1497, Cortez, CO 81321.