Donna Marie Van Leuven

Donna Marie Bray was born in 1932 in Nampa, Idaho to Walter Lynn and Bertha Esther Bray. Donna spent her early childhood on a farm near Vale, Oregon where her parents homesteaded. Her family later moved to Fruitland where she attended school and graduated from Fruitland High School in 1950. In Fruitland she met her future husband, Duane C. Van Leuven, another 1950 FHS graduate. After high school, Donna attended the University of Idaho where she proudly became a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Donna made life-long friends as a Pi Phi, many of whom she was still very close with at the time of her death. Donna completed her undergraduate degree where she studied teaching and business. She also received a master's degree in education in 1955.

After college Donna taught high school briefly in Stockton, California. In 1957 Donna returned to Idaho where she married Duane. Duane was a local farmer who passed away in 2002. Donna and Duane raised three children; Lisa, Matthew and Michael. Donna taught periodically at several local schools including the Vale, Oregon School District, Greenleaf Friends Academy as well as Treasure Valley Community College. Donna loved music and was involved for many years promoting the Treasure Valley Community Concert Series.

Donna was very committed to her faith as a Christian and was always very involved in church activities. Donna dedicated her life to helping others; whether it be family, friends or complete strangers. Donna always looked for a way to improve the lives of others and wanted to leave every situation better than when she found it. Donna was committed to philanthropic causes; supporting local and international charities for years.

Donna is survived by her three children; Lisa Van Leuven of Tumwater, Washington and her children, Jon, Jessica, Jacob and Jared and four great grandchildren, Jack, Elizabeth, Beau and Brady. Her sons include Matthew and his wife Erica Van Leuven of Meridian, Idaho and their children, Ella, Harrison, and Taylor, and son Michael and his wife Melinda Van Leuven of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and their children Kathryn, Ethan, Ryan and Brayden. Donna's brother Stanley and his wife Shirley Bray reside in Poulsbo, Washington.

Donna is greatly missed by her family and friends. She has been a light in this world that cannot be replaced to those of us that loved her.

Donna was buried next to Duane in the Park View Cemetery near New Plymouth on Saturday December 2, 2017. The burial was accompanied by a brief grave-side service attended primarily by her family, per Donna's wishes. Condolences may be made to Donna’s family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.