Donna Lou Wangsness~Moore

Donna Moore went to be with the Lord on June 30, 2014. She was surrounded and held by her family and Quail Park staff in Visalia, CA. Donna was 89 years old, just two months shy of her 90th birthday. In the last month of her life Donna and her daughter Kirsten decided that since she was so close to turning 90 years old that she deserved to be considered 90 years old already.

Donna was born on September 5, 1924 to Pauline and Robert Cohoon in Centralia, Washington. She was the youngest child of three. Her mother was the eighth child of ten siblings. Donna was one of the youngest children at the Ellis family reunion. Donna shared with her children her happy memories of her aunts, uncles and many cousins.

Donna attended R. A. Long High School in Longview Washington where she was involved in the government classes and cheerleading. She went to college at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. She was a Kappa Kappa Gamma Soriety Sister where she made life long friends. She left school to marry the first love of her life Orrin Wangsness. They were married in Bakersfield where Orrin was a geologist for The Gulf Oil Company. They enjoyed vacations in Yosemite Nation Park, camping most summers.

Donna and Orrin had two daughters – Kirsten and Cindy Wangsness. When Orrin became sick with a rare form of meningitis, Donna went back to school at Fresno State University to obtain her bachelors and master’s degree in teaching. Donna taught at Harding Elementary School where she was known as a creative teacher. The Bakersfield Californian honored her twice for her creativity in working with challenged children. Donna went on to be the lead resource specialist for Bakersfield City Schools. Donna’s attitude was that her students would leave her classroom working at their grade level. Donna’s first husband, Orrin Wangsness passed away in October, 1967.

Donna went on to meet her second love of her life, Dr. William Moore, Jr. who she was married to for 37 years. Donna brought two daughters and Bill brought two sons into their marriage. Donna and Bill had a strong Christian love for each other and their four children. The Moore family had many wonderful and fun times together. This included many trips to their vacation home in Cambria, California and Yosemite National Park. Donna and Bill welcomed nine grandchildren, all of whom they spent many quality times with. They also traveled extensively around the world with many of their friends. One of their favorite trips was to Africa. Bill passed away in 2009.

Donna was a long time member of The First Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder and deacon. She taught vacation bible schools when her children were young. She also served on several committees during her active years at that same The First Presbyterian Church. She was an active member of the Stockdale Country Club and served as the President for the Women’s Club. She was also a member of P.E.O. Donna and Bill were members of the Cotillion Club in Bakersfield.

She got to meet her fourth great granddaughter, Ali eight weeks ago and enjoyed watching her play. Donna’s fifth great granddaughter, Kaydence was born in December of 2013. It brought her much joy getting to hold her over the past few months. Donna is preceded in death by her mother Pauline Cohoon, first husband Orrin Wangsness, grandson Ryan Smith, daughter Cindy Lewis and second husband Dr. William Moore Jr. She is survived by her daughter Kirsten Smith, her sons William Moore III and Cameron Moore. She is also survived by Don Lewis, her eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Donna will be deeply missed by her children and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Kern County SPCA.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery, 3700 River Blvd in Bakersfield, California. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St in Bakersfield.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371