Donelle was born in Morrison, IL, to her parents Donald and Eula Seger. After graduating from high school, she continued her education and graduated from Cosmetology School. She started her first salon job at the local JCPenney’s. She met her husband John Ybarra and moved to Sterling to start her family. She worked from home for several years, helping raise the children of friends and family. After her own children were older, she worked in the kitchen at Newman Central Catholic High School, where she served for 18 years and learned every student’s name.
Donelle leaves behind her loving husband John, her two daughters Aubrey Farrell (Thomas Farrell) and Sydney Ybarra (Kendall Idle), and her beloved grandson Elijah Farrell. She is also survived by her mother, Eula Seger, and her siblings Donnie Seger, Donna Seger (Tal Seger), Suzanne Kessler (Charlie Kessler), and Dave Seger (Angie Seger), as well as several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Donald Seger, and her paternal and maternal grandparents.
Nellie will be remembered for her gentle heart, kindness, and love for her family. One of her most treasured roles was being a grandma to Elijah, who brought a special kind of happiness into her life. All the students who knew her called her their favorite lunch lady, who made the best cookies. Her passing leaves a tremendous void, but the memories shared with Donelle will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A gathering of friends and family will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. at the McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church.
Condolences can be shared at mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
