Donnis Withers

Middletown, RI - Donnis Stiles Withers, 81, of Blenheim, Middletown, RI, died Monday, January 16, 2012 at Village House Nursing Home, Newport, RI surrounded by her loving family.She was the wife of the late Ret Captain Christopher Withers. Born in Algona, Iowa, on April 18, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Ruth Brown Stiles.Donnis was a graduate of Kansas University and a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She was a Navy wife for more than thirty years. As a very talented artist, she loved to record her travels through her beautiful paintings. She was an active member of the Newport Art Association for many years where she took classes and volunteered. When she wasnt traveling the world with her husband of over 55 years, she was knitting, or cooking delicious meals for her friends and family. Nothing gave her more joy than taking care of her grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Stephen Withers of Bristol, RI, Leslie Withers of Land OLakes, FL, Tracy Mallinson and her husband Jim of Middletown, Matthew Withers of Newport, RI, and her grandchildren, Jake Mallinson of Middletown and Kaliegh Rogers of South Kingston, RI. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at 11:00 in St. Marys Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth.Burial will be in St. Marys Churchyard in Portsmouth.Calling hours are omitted.In lieu of flowers, Donations in her memory may be made to Alzheimers Association Rhode Island Chapter, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906 or The Newport Art Museum Art Association, 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.