Donna M Stephenson

Donna M. (Ermey) Stephenson March 10, 1948-November 11, 2024 After a lengthy battle with Alzheimer Dementia, God has called Donna home. Our Mother and beloved wife, Donna M. (Ermey) Stephenson started her life in the small town of Zillah, WA on March 10, 1948. She was born to Clyde and Eileen Ermey and raised with her four sisters and one brother. Her childhood was filled with family gatherings and work on the family farm. Donna graduated from Zillah High School in 1966 then went on to attend beauty school. She then moved to Seattle for a short time and worked for a favorite aunt in her beauty salon. After some great times and adventures in Seattle, Donna decided that she wanted to return home to the Yakima Valley. In Yakima, she continued to work as a beautician. During this time, Donna met the love of her life, Vern Stephenson and they were married on January 12, 1974. From one family farm to another, Donna moved out to the White Swan area and began farm life with Vern on the Stephenson Family Farm. Donna and Vern shared many happy times together as a couple in their 50 years of marriage. They enjoyed playing pool, going on short trips with friends, having poker parties, and just spending time together creating life long memories. Donna was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Over the years she served on the church council, taught religious education classes, organized the annual yard sale and participated in the various church community activities and events. One of her favorite church events was the annual St. Patty’s Day raffle. The Irish twinkle in Donna’s eyes shown a bit brighter at that gathering. Donna loved to get together with her family and friends to share a glass of wine, have great conversations and listen to music. She never minded including extra people. The more the merrier was her thought. Donna was mainly a stay at home mom, raising their three children. (Zachary, Sarah, and Alex). While taking care of the home, Donna loved to garden, work in her yard and can the bounty of the valley all Summer long. In addition to home duties, Donna did find time to drive wheat truck for several seasons and maintain the farm books for several years. Family dinners around the supper table were a cherished time. Donna was always her children’s biggest supporter and fan. She was filled with pride in all of their childhood and adult accomplishments. She took great care in the raising of her children. Some of the most important lessons instilled in her children were faith, family, honesty and hard work. Those teachings are carried through each of Donna’s children today. In later years, Donna was blessed to welcome grandchildren in her life. She loved being a Gram to 11 grandchildren and a Gram Great to 3 great grandchildren. Donna could often be found playing the board game Sorry with her grandkids or getting them outside to do some work in the yard. Donna loved seeing her children become amazing parents to her grandchildren. As the years continued, Donna started showing signs of Alzheimer Dementia. As this disease progressed Donna required more and more care. Her devoted husband, Vern, never wavered and provided the loving care all along the way. These past few years have been a difficult journey, yet Donna was able to remain at home surrounded by those that loved her dearly. Donna is predeceased by her parents Clyde and Eileen Ermey and her sisters Patricia Cooper and Margaret Davison. Donna is survived by her husband of 50 years, Vern Stephenson and their children, Zachary (Sarah) Stephenson, Alex (Amber) Stephenson, Sarah (Jay) Hangan. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren, Elias, AnnaBelle, Weston, Noah, Molly, Natalie, Caleb, Lucas, Lillian, Sophia, and Riley and her 3 great grandchildren: Eva, Wade, and Wells. Donna is also survived by her brother Fred (Betty) Ermey and sisters Kathleen Nevill and Roberta Copenhefer. A Viewing will be held at Colonial Funeral Home in Toppenish, WA on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Rosary will begin at 3:00 P.M. Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in White Swan, WA. (360 Signal Peak Rd) with graveside services at Reservation Community Memorial Park. There will be a reception at St. Mary’s Hall following the conclusion of graveside services.

Donna M Stephenson

March 10, 1948 - November 11, 2024

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Donna M Stephenson

March 10, 1948 - November 11, 2024

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