Donna Mae Bennett

Donna Mae was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 6, 1924, the second child and only daughter of Anna Matilda Kreps and Lloyd Jacob Thomas. When her five year old brother was told he had a little sister, he said, “ She’s not a little sister, she’s a dolly!” Thereafter, her family fondly called her, “Dolly.”

At 2 1/2 months her family moved 10 miles north of Carrington, North Dakota. There, she was raised on a 320 acre farm where the work was done with horses. Her family worked extremely hard through the Great Depression to feed themselves and help others less fortunate.

Donna began riding a horse at age two and at five, she rode gentle Gracie several miles to a two-room schoolhouse even in the cold, blizzard-filled, winter months. Summers brought freedom and time to discover the prairie’s special treasures.

Raised in the Dunkard Brethren Church, as a young girl, she believed, repented and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and never wavered from her strong faith throughout her long lifetime.

When a teenager, Donna moved to Carrington to live with her maternal grandmother so that she could attend and graduate from the local high school. She dearly loved her Grandma Kreps, but missed her immediate family and the open prairies.

World War II began in earnest and at 18, Donna’s family moved to Portland, Oregon to gain employment in the airplane assembly plant and ship yards. This is where she met a handsome welder and riveter named, Al E. Bennett. Soon they were married and settled in Portland. They began their family and were overjoyed to introduce Ronald Thomas to the world and sixteen months later, Sherilyn Kathleen join her big brother. They moved from their home in Portland to Happy Valley and finally to Lake Oswego where they lived for some 48 years. At this point, Al and Donna gladly welcomed 25 (one-at-a-time) needy foster children into their home and life. Later, Donna worked as a secretary for several large corporations; Lloyd Center Business Office, Packer-Scott Co., and U.S. Steel Corp.

Al and Donna were frugal, saving funds enough to buy property on the lake and build a lovely home. They wanted another child and were thrilled when God gifted them with Brian Mark Dustin. Later, Donna surprised many by enrolling in some college classes.

Al and Donna were blessed by the Lord and able to take some marvelous trips around the U.S. and to various parts of the world. They prized their motorhome travels and park model in Sky Valley, California and became “snowbirds” when Al retired. They downsized and moved into a ranch-style house in the Clackamas area. They adored their family and highly valued their friends. Through the years they attended Peace Church of the Brethren, Burlingame Baptist, Mountain Park Church, Sky Valley Chapel and Gladstone Baptist Church.

Donna fell and broke a hip in 2008, had a serious stroke in 2009, then broke the other hip and moved into an adult care home with Al. Nevertheless, she faithfully attended weekly Bible Study Classes and church services. Al passed away in September of 2010.

Feeling ill and in severe pain, 89 year old Donna was admitted to the hospital on July 12th. On the July 16th, Donna learned that her bowels had burst and death would be imminent. She joyfully exclaimed, “I’m going to heaven and I’m going to see Jesus!” But it was a long difficult week until the Lord called her to Himself on the July 23, 2013 at 2:05 a.m. Now, at last, she is safely home with Jesus and truly rejoicing!!!

Donna is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren who will miss her loving kindness, wise advice, wonderful stories, faithful testimony and her amazing grit.