“I’ve been dreading having to make this post. It seems like once I write it, everything becomes real. Set in stone. Unchangeable.”

With those heartbreaking words, HGTV star Dave Marrs revealed the deepest sorrow of his life: the passing of his beloved mother, Donna Marrs. Known for his warmth and faith-driven approach to life, Dave opened up in a raw and emotional tribute that left fans across the world sharing in his grief.

The Heartbreaking Loss

After a long and difficult battle with dementia, Donna Marrs passed away, leaving her family heartbroken yet comforted by memories of her enduring love. For Dave, the loss feels almost unbearable. In his own words, he confessed how shattered he feels:

“I feel so very sad and broken! Sad that I will no longer be able to hear her voice, see her smile, hug her body.”

It was a tragedy Dave admitted he was not ready to face. The weight of finality hit hardest when he sat down to write the words that confirmed the reality of her passing. To him, it meant the unchangeable truth: his mother was gone.

Finding Faith in the Pain

In the midst of sorrow, Dave turned to his faith for strength, quoting Psalm 34:18:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Though he admitted he hasn’t yet found the comfort he longs for, Dave clings to hope that time will bring healing. His grief is not without gratitude, though. He spoke of blessings found even in the storm — blessings that gave his family strength during Donna’s final moments.

He shared how thankful he was that the entire immediate family was able to gather together to say goodbye, something he knew his mother would have cherished. His children’s close bond with their “Nana” also gave him comfort, as did the example of love and resilience Donna showed throughout her life.

A Son’s Tribute

Dave’s tribute to his mother was more than a farewell; it was a son’s love letter to the woman who shaped his life. He praised her as a role model who guided him for 46 years, and as someone who touched every life she encountered with grace.

“So mom, please know that you were loved by everyone you met. You have run an incredible race that is now done. You can rejoice and dance, and sing, and see all of those you have lost and missed over your life.”

Dave also leaned on Second Timothy 4:7-8, which says:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

In his tribute, he assured Donna that she too had fought bravely, finishing her race with dignity and faith. He promised that her legacy of love will live on in her family, in her friends, and in the countless hearts she inspired.

Jenny’s Tribute:

Alongside Dave’s moving words, his wife Jenny shared her own heartfelt reflection, honoring her mother-in-law’s legacy with raw emotion and reverence. Jenny spoke of the kind of life she hopes to live, one modeled after Donna’s example of love, presence, and unwavering faith.

“I hope when it’s all said and done and my sojourn on this earth is finished, that my kids and grandkids won’t be able to remember a single time that I didn’t show up, that I wasn’t there cheering them on, encouraging them, and serving them in love,” Jenny wrote.

For Jenny, Donna was more than a mother-in-law — she was a guiding light who showed her how to be the kind of wife, mother, and grandmother who leaves an indelible mark on generations. Jenny described Donna as one of the “brightest lights” she had ever known, promising to carry forward her spirit of joy, service, and faith. Her tribute closed with words that encapsulated both her grief and gratitude: “Well done, Donna. Well done. You never wavered in your love or your faith. We don’t know how to move forward here without you but I promise we will try our best. We love you so so so so so so much. No words will ever be enough.”