Obituary of Donna Dolores McKie

Donna Dolores Dyer McKie          March 27, 1926- Oct. 30, 2020

Born in Bend, Oregon to Hooper Boone and Irene Dyer, Married Ernest L McKie in 1945. She is survived by her siblings, Laurence Dyer, Nancy Ingram, Helen Hemingway and Ann (Fred) Divita. By her three children, Sharon McKie, Charles and (Carol) McKie and Scott McKie, by her grandchildren Katie (Tyson) Larimer and Ozzie McKie. Niece LaRelle (Bob) Catherman.  Other family members include Mac (Charlene) Lochrie, Sheree (Livio) Eckhardt and Anthony Blevins, grandchildren Bianca (Matt) Rosenbaum and Dylan (Sierra) Rouse.

She is predeceased in death by her husband Ernest Lee McKie, her brother Loren, his wife Ella and her parents.

A woman ahead of her time she actively worked close with her husband in all their business dealings as a proud co-owner. From Basketball Camps to businesses and real estate, she was an integral part of their success. Independently she was a charter member of the Riverview West Linn Lions Club and served as their President from 1995 to 1996, earning the Helen Keller Award in 1996 and Melvin Jones Award in 1996. It was her passion and is still known for her participation in the annual English Tea and many contributions making the Club what it is today.  A pioneer in female leadership, her dedication was greatly appreciated.

After her husband passed, she traveled the world visiting many continents and countries, savoring the different cultures and art in each. She drove up the Alcan Highway to Skagway Alaska many times, enjoyed many cruises and tours. She was an artist – accomplished oil painter, jewelry designer, cross-stitch, glass art, basket weaving – what she touched was always remarkable and unique and a work of art. A prolific writer, she kept journals and even published her life’s story.  She worked for Head Start and volunteered for Loaves and Fishes. But no one will forget her special touch and relationship with food, wonderful cinnamon rolls, pies and smorgasbords of culinary delights. She was happiest when she was entertaining whether it was family or the many circles of friends she cherished, the Faubions and the Central Valley Group, Koinonia and Bunco to name a few.

A resident of Cathlamet, WA from 1954 to 1964, she always missed it, cherishing the Basketball Championship of 1964. Then to Cheney, WA until they moved to West Linn OR and lived there from 1967 to 2006 when she became a resident of Somerset Lodge in Gladstone.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Memorial Day Weekend in Bend. Her ashes will rest beside her parents at the Pilot Butte Cemetery in Bend, OR.    Details to be determined, please contact Sharon at smckie@comcast.net  or 239-352-4945 for an updated notice of arrangements or additional information. Mail condolences to 11305 SE 33^rd Ave. Milwaukie, OR 97222 or online at: www.CrownCremationBurial.com

Memorial Donations are requested to be sent to:

LION’S FOUNDATION OF WEST LINN, INC.

Please mail checks to: 19363 Willamette Drive   West Linn, Or 97068.  You will receive a tax-deductible receipt with a tax ID number as it is a 501(c)(3) organization. Please indicate it is in Donna McKie’s name and your wish for either Guide Dogs for the Blind or the West Linn High School Scholarship fund.

The Great William Faulkner once said, “The past is not dead, it is not even past.  Indeed, the past lives on in everything we think, feel and do. The imprint of every experience remains with us, each one adding to the sum of who we are, like bricks and mortar in a house.       Thank you for giving us the foundation of unconditional love.

 

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