Donna S. Woodson

She was just 68. Very active and healthy two years ago April, all were aghast with the diagnosis of this cruel, random, and hopeless disease.

Donna was born June 4, 1949 in Denver, the only child of Velna and Henry J Schmitt. She was raised in Southwest Portland, attending Ridgewood and West Sylvan grade schools and Lincoln High School. She later attended Pitzer College, UCSD, and University of Oregon, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in advertising design. She also pursued graduate studies in urban signage at Portland State,

She was previously married to Duncan Hay and Robert Neuroth.

Donna chose to devote her time to her professional career. She started at Gerber Advertising as a graphic designer in 1973 and later formed her own design firm in 1979.

After garnering many local, regional and national design awards, her company evolved into Woodson and Neuroth Advertising, Inc., and subsequently Woodson Media. Twenty five years ago, she designed the logo for Papa Murphy’s Take N Bake Pizza, which is still used today.

The highlight of her personal life was her marriage to Jon Woodson in Hawaii. He planned the occasion, which included close friends who were essentially “family”. Married at an estate on the Big Island at sunset with champagne and sea turtles, it was perfect.

Outside the office, Donna volunteered her time and expertise to the Children’s Charity Ball for 26 years. The Ball raised much needed funds for The Christie School and Trillium Family Services.

She spent 20 years white-water rafting and fly-fishing which toughened her to the great Northwest outdoors.

To many of her friends, Donna will be remembered as an avid and gritty tournament golfer. She was a member of Columbia Edgewater Country Club, Riverside Golf and Country Club and Rock Creek Country Club in Portland. She was a club champion at Riverside, a flight winner at the Oregon Coast Invitational and had two holes-in-one. As a member of the Business Golf Association, she was privileged to play hundreds of first class golf courses nationally, including Pinehurst, Pebble Beach, Harbour Town, Innisbrook, Sawgrass and The Greenbrier.

Donna and Jon retired to their beautiful second home in Palm Desert where they spent their winters. As a member of Avondale Golf Club, Donna played golf several times a week and was a member of the ladies’ Desert Team League play. She served on the Avondale Ladies Club board for several years and recently served as President for two years. In Palm Desert and at Avondale, Donna created a tight circle of friends that will forever be with her.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, Jon. The family suggests remembrances to The ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington.