
She was born on a naval air base to parents who were serving in the U.S. Navy. Being career military, the family moved frequently which meant that Donna went to many different schools. Despite those challenges, Donna, her younger sister and parents were a tight knit family. Her parents had strong work ethics, adventurous spirits and were willing to go where their ideas took them.
Growing up, Donna recalls having round table discussions over dinner in which the family talked about general politics and things going on in their community. While her parents talked about political issues, they rarely discussed political parties. Later, she came to believe they were registered Republicans. “I would call them ‘Eisenhower Republicans’ and I think they would probably be appalled by some of the things the Republican Party is all about today,” says Clontz.
Growing up, Donna recalls having round table discussions over dinner in which the family talked about general politics and things going on in their community. While her parents talked about political issues, they rarely discussed political parties. Later, she came to believe they were registered Republicans. “I would call them ‘Eisenhower Republicans’ and I think they would probably be appalled by some of the things the Republican Party is all about today,” says Clontz.