Donna Lou Reid

Donna Reid, 87, of Renton, Washington passed away at home on July 18, 2021 with her beloved husband, John, and family by her side. Donna was the perfect wife of 68 years to retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant John Reid. Donna was born July 13, 1934 in Yakima, Washington to Harlan and Connie Eden. Donna grew up working with her father in his machinist and gunsmith shop, learning to shoot and hunt. As a young woman following in her mother’s footsteps Donna played as a pianist for several music groups and at a dance studio. Donna also enjoyed ballet dancing. She graduated from Yakima High School.

In 1952 while at the Bremerton, Washington Marine Corps Rifle Range with her father and mother Donna met U.S. Marine Sgt. John Reid where they fell in love and were married in Bremerton a year later on June 5, 1953. As newlyweds they left Bremerton and moved to Billings, Montana where Donna joined John in his love of birdwatching. After four years they moved to Barstow, California near John’s sister, Catherine (Charles) Wilson and her family where Donna grew close to their young nieces, Cathy Sue and Patty. In Barstow Donna worked at Rude’s clothing store and then at Teplow’s drug store. From Barstow they moved to Quantico, Virginia and then Albuquerque, New Mexico for John to attend school. They were then stationed in Twenty-Nine Palms, California. As a devoted wife Donna happily followed John around the country as he was stationed at different bases every few years throughout his career in the U.S. Marine Corps. Everywhere she lived and traveled Donna made lasting friendships. She handled every situation life brought her way with grace, staying calm and confident and treated everyone she encountered with a gentle kindness and respect.

In 1971 when John retired from the U.S. Marine Corps they took a cross-country road trip to all 48 lower states, covering over 32,000 miles in their truck and trailer. Their yearlong adventure landed them in Lacey, Washington. Eventually they settled in their forever home in Renton, Washington. Their niece, Patty, and husband Bob moved to be nearby and Donna and John proudly took the role of grandparents to their children Charlie and Stacey.

Donna dedicated her life to volunteer work within her community. She began her volunteer work with the Navy Relief and later for Red Cross, receiving many awards for her work and dedication to the community. Donna organized and ran a volunteer group of twenty or so for Red Cross for the past 40 years. She was an avid knitter and always carried her current project with her. Donna’s group met weekly pouring their love into hand-sewn, knitted, and crocheted blankets and clothing providing warmth and comfort to the recipients of all ages of many south end organizations. Donna and John always brought donations to share with children abroad on their travels as well. Donna enjoyed attending the Renton Theatre and stayed active through life, clogging and square dancing. They were members of the “Blazing Stars” and “Hard and Easy” square dance clubs for 40 years, dancing to the advanced C2 level.

Donna and John were avid birdwatchers and began traveling the world in search of animals and birds. In 1991 they took their first cruise upon John’s retirement from Safeco. Since that first cruise to Alaska they have been on 40 more cruises. They traveled by sea and land to just about everywhere on the planet. Donna’s favorite place to visit was London which she visited at least 10 times through the years. Their travels have taken them to places near and far in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. When John resigned from photography Donna delighted in taking over the photography of their journeys and life. Donna absorbed all she learned and was an encyclopedia of knowledge. In any conversation she could find an experience, a story, and information to share with you. She kept her mind sharp doing crossword puzzles daily and carried on through life with a positive outlook no matter the circumstances. Donna was the most amazing woman and will be dearly missed by her friends and family.

Donna is survived by loving husband, John, cousin Dean (Mary) Martin of Snoqualmie, Washington and family, cousin Lyle Martin’s wife, Barbara, of BC, Canada, and their children, Kim, Paul, and Laurie and each of their families, nieces Cathy Wilson of Daly City, California, and Pat (Bob) Kaufmann of Auburn, Washington, and their children Charles Kaufmann of Auburn, Washington, and Stacey (Doug) Benson and daughters Violet and Hazel of Ellensburg, Washington, along with many other loved ones.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 30, 2021, Visitation was from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Rainier Memorial Center at 2807 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima, Washington with a Graveside Service at 1:00 pm at Terrace Heights Memorial Park at 3001 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima, Washington, followed by a Reception.

An additional celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Monday, August 16, 2021at 2:00 pm at Greenwood Memorial Park and Funeral Home at 350 Monroe Avenue NE, Renton, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice