Donna Irene Evert Thomas Kennewick, WA

Donna E. Thomas, 75, passed away on December 12, 2003 at Callaway Gardens in Kennewick, Washington from Alzheimer's. She was born July 27, 1928 in Longmont, Colorado. Donna lived in Richland, WA from 1945-1979, Idaho Falls, ID from 1979-1986, Redmond, WA from 1987-1997. In the fall of 1997 she and her husband returned to the Tri-Cities, making her home in Kennewick.

Donna originally moved to Richland with her family during World War II where she graduated form Richland High School in 1946. She was a graduate of Eastern Washington University with a major in education and later receiving certification in the field of special education. Along with raising her family, she spent time as a substitute teacher throughout the Tri-Cities supporting special needs classrooms and elementary education. She was the lead teacher for the Benton-Franklin Development Center when it reopened in 1971.

Donna enjoyed watching her sons play baseball, being a troop leader for Brownies, and listening to her children perform their music. The most joyous family activities were the countless hours spent boating, fishing, and watching family and friends water ski on the Columbia River and Washington and Idaho lakes. Donna loved the game of bridge and became an avid golfer at the youthful age of 52 -- encouraging all of her grandchildren to play.

Donna is survived by her husband Roy of 53 years and their children; Graig Janey, Gary Jonni, Gailann Gary, Gwenlyn Susan and Geoffrey Teri. She is also survived by 10 loving grandchildren; Jay, James-Roy, Jocelyn, Katie, Emily, Nicole, Megan, Shealyn, Kylie and Dale. Other survivors include sister Delia and brother Bill. Donna has been a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Preceding her in death are her parents, William ''Bill'' Evert and Doris Sawyer Evert, and grandsons, Keith and Aaron.

Funeral services will be held at Einan's Chapel on Wednesday December 17 at 11:00am with internment at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland, WA. Visitation will be held on Tuesday December 16 from 5:00-8:00pm at Einan’s Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers, remembrance may be made to Alzheimer's Disease Research, The Neurological Center, Richland, WA or Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice in Kennewick, WA. The family wishes to note special thanks and appreciation to the staff and caregivers of Callaway Gardens, Tri-City Hospice and to Drs. Janice Martin and C.D. Washington for all of their support.