Donna Anne (Shakespeare) Cummings
Renowned Northern Arapaho Doll Maker
Donna Anne Shakespeare-Cummings, a well-known Northern Arapaho doll maker and beloved member of the community, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 17, 2025. She was surrounded by her husband, Lloyd, and her sisters, in the comfort of the family home—just as she had wished.
A Vigil Service with the Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Great Plains Hall in Arapahoe. A wake will follow at the Shakespeare residence, 1227 17 Mile Road, Arapahoe. A Traditional Native American and Catholic Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday at Great Plains Hall, with burial to follow at Shakespeare Cemetery.
Donna was born on August 10, 1959, in Thermopolis, Wyoming, to Thomas H. Shakespeare, Jr. and Aline R. (Bates) Shakespeare. She was baptized into the Catholic faith and received her education at Arapahoe Public School, Wyoming Indian High School, Riverside Indian School in Oklahoma, Fort Sill Indian School in Oklahoma, and the Institute of American Indian Arts in New Mexico.
On April 29, 1983, Donna married Lloyd K. Cummings, Jr. in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Together they had three children and shared a life rooted in family, art, and tradition. Over the years, Donna lived in Wyoming, Pawnee (Oklahoma), Gilbert (Arizona), Santa Fe, and Albuquerque (New Mexico).
She was a gifted and respected award-winning artist, best known for her intricate and culturally significant dolls. Her art work is held in many museums across the nation including the Smithsonian and among will known private collectors. Donna also had a deep love for plants and flowers, traveling, coffee, and her favorite shows. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her husband, children, and granddaughters, and extended family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Lloyd K. Cummings Jr, son Harris J Cummings (Monique); daughters, Jacque (Alfonso) Enciso; Sharlae Cummings (Rodney); granddaughters, Isabella (Aden) Harding and Tatianna. She is survived by her adopted mother, Elise Oliver. She is also survived by her brother, William T Shakespeare; sisters: Ava (Delmar) Hamilton, Debbie Shakespeare, Mary Shakespeare, Sandra C Shakespeare, all of Arapaho. Lorrenia Mosqueda, Alberta Goggles; sister-in-law Dr Linda (Jimmy) Horn of Oklahoma. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews, grandkids, cousins extended family members in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and the Wind River Reservation
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas H. Shakespeare, Jr. and Aline R. (Bates) Shakespeare; her parents-in-law, Lloyd K. Cummings, Sr. and Lillie M. (RealRider) Cummings-Brant; and her grandparents-in-law, Austin G. and Marie Joyce Lane Real Rider; adopted father, Ambrose Oliver; sisters, June Shakespeare and Melba Shakespeare; and brothers, Duward Shakespeare, Glen Shakespeare, and Corey Shakespeare.
On-line condolences for the family may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Services under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments.