Donna Garner, 87

Donna G. Garner of Newport, Wash., passed away peacefully Dec. 6, 2022, with her family by her side. She was 87 years old.

Donna was born to Raymond and LaRee (Morgan) Betty on Dec. 26, 1934, in Pocatello, Idaho. Due to her father’s occupation, the family moved around the U.S. during her childhood and finally settled in the Glenns Ferry, Idaho, area.

She met the love of her life, Donnie Garner, in the summer of 1948. They were married July 14, 1951, the summer before her senior year of high school. She then went on to graduate from Glenns Ferry High School the following year. They were married for 56 years and had seven children together.

During Donna’s younger years, she worked mostly as a waitress. Later, she worked as a cashier for Safeway and a nurse’s assistant in long-term care in Mountain Home, Idaho. Her and husband Donnie also owned and ran a bakery called Mama Bear’s Sweet Shop in Mountain Home.

Later, the family moved to Pend Oreille County due to the beauty of the area. During this time, she worked at the Crossroads Café in Usk and at Camp Spaulding, where she retired.

Donna was a longtime member of the Nazarene Church and a devoted Christian. Donna loved to go dancing, playing cards, reading her Bible and working in her flowerbeds. Most of all, she loved being surrounded by her family and friends. Donna had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need if she could.

Donna is survived by her children, Gaydene Garner of Fairbanks, Alaska, Guy (and Mary) Garner of Battleground, Wash., LaRee (and Don) Weatherman of Colville, Wash., Teresa Garner of Spokane, Wash., Michelle (and Bernie Nelson) Mills of Oldtown, Idaho, and Daniel (and Lisa) Garner of Usk, Wash., along with 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Donna is preceded in death by her mother and father; husband Donnie; son Morgan Garner; and her three brothers and her sister.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Sherman Campbell Funeral Home in Newport, Wash. There will be a reception following the service at Sherman Campbell Funeral Home.

Sherman Campbell Funeral and Cremation Services in Newport, Wash., is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com.