Donna Rae Blake

Donna Rae Blake, 74, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Four Seasons Living Center in Sedalia, Missouri.

She was born July 18, 1951, in Council Bluffs, the daughter of Cecil and Patricia Emerine.

Donna studied culinary arts and worked for many years as a chef at the Best Western Crossroads, where she shared her talent and love for good food with others. She was known for her kind heart and the way she welcomed everyone, especially her son’s friends, into her home like family.

She is survived by her son, Lester Briggs, Jr. (Nicole), of St. Joseph, MO; and three sisters, Shawn, Carol, and Joyce.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Patricia Emerine; stepfather, Howard Hytrek; and two siblings, Gale and Phillip.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at a later date.