With a heavy heart we announce the passing of our mother, Donna Mae Andres who died on Thursday April 21, 2022 at the age of 82 in her home in St. George, UT. Donna was born on October 10, 1939 in Fergus Falls Minnesota to Walter and Bessie Riggin but grew up in beautiful Spokane WA where she graduated from West Valley H.S. Later in life she went on to earn a bachelor degree in music from Eastern Washington University. On January 31, 1959 Donna married her sweetheart and life-long companion of almost 57 years, Fabian T. “Dutch” Andres. On July 16, 2014 Dutch and Donna were sealed for time and all eternity in the Spokane Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Donna had a real love and God-given talent for music. She was always immersed in church musical assignments and positions throughout her life. She could sing beautifully but most often would be found tirelessly leading the music for numerous congregations and choirs large and small. Donna loved sports. Her senior year in H.S. she was voted “Best All Around Outstanding Athlete”. Later in life she loved cheering on the Utah Jazz, Tampa Bay Lightning, Spokane Chiefs, BYU Cougars and Gonzaga Bulldogs. Donna’s greatest joy and passion in life centered around her family and friends. She had a beautiful, radiant smile and sense of humor and was genuinely kind, compassionate, patient and devoted in her relationships with others. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children Kimberly, Julene, William, and Andrea; 16 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren; her sister Georgia, and brothers Donny and Franny. She is preceded in death by her husband Dutch, son Richard and grandsons Jesse and Jedekiah; her sisters Dorothy, Aileen, Faye, and Naomi, her brothers Wyman, Denny, Jimmy, and Gary. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 3rd at Thornhill Valley Chapel on 1400 S Pines Rd at 10 am, followed by a funeral service at 11 am. A simple graveside interment will be held at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, May 4th at South Pines Cemetery, 13126 E 32nd Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206. Family and friends are welcome and invited to attend.
