Donna J. Elston

Donna Jean Vrooman Elston, 84, of Asheboro, passed away Monday, September 14, 2026, at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro.

Donna was born on February 21, 1942, in Syracuse, New York, the daughter of the late Charles Edgar Vrooman and Elizabeth Nora Starrs. In 1972 she married the love of her life, Veryl, and moved to North Carolina shortly thereafter.

Professionally, she lived a life dedicated to serving others and building connections. She spent meaningful time working as a nurse aid, providing hands-on care and comfort to those in need. Taking charge of her own path, she also poured her talent and energy into working as a successful business owner with her devoted husband for a number of years before selling and spending the last twenty-three years of her career in customer service.

Outside of work, she was happiest on the golf course, enjoying all the game has to offer. I think it is fair to say she considered herself a talented golfer! She was equally passionate about NASCAR and rarely missed watching a race during the season. The love for racing grew out of the weekly Saturday evening outings at the Hickory Motor Speedway. When Donna wasn’t on the golf course or cheering on her favorite driver, you could find her cuddled in her chair reading one of the thousands of books she devoured during her lifetime. Traveling was another passion and she enjoyed making numerous camping trips across the country with her family as well as “snowbirding” to Florida for the winters. She was a longtime member of Aldersgate Methodist Church in Shelby.

Above all else, her greatest joy and proudest achievement was her family. She was deeply involved with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never missing a moment to cheer them on, protect them, and shower them with unconditional love. Her fierce devotion to the younger generations leaves an enduring legacy that will shape her family for years to come.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her infant son, David Ronald; and brother, Donald Peter Vrooman.

Donna is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 54 years, Veryl Elston of the home; children, Rhonda Oliver (Ray) of Apex, Jeff Elston (Christina) of Wilmington, Cindy Wagner (Dan) of Asheboro, Leah Wetherill (John) of Belle Haven, VA, Lisa Weaver (Allen) of Wake Forest; brother, Douglas Vrooman of Buffalo, NY; grandchildren, Evan (Hannah), Drew, Chase Oliver (Jennifer), Mason Wagner, Zack and Isabella Elston, Ben Weaver (Mary); great grandchildren, Preston, Ivy, Eden, and Carter Oliver; and Macy, Corbin, Kyleigh, and Elise Bumgarner who "adopted" Donna and Veryl. They happily and proudly took on the role being a part of their family.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home, 908 Albemarle Road, Asheboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.