Donna Jean Roakes, 64, of Kennewick, Washington completed her journey on this earth on May 12, 2014. Every one of us takes life's incredible journey. Donna's journey ended peacefully. She was a strong woman who was well loved and respected. She had one child who she loved and cared for with all of her heart and soul.

Early in her working career, she discovered she loved to work outdoors. She chose a career as a rural letter carrier and she could be heard saying it was the best job in the world. Many Richland postal customers knew and loved her. Donna was an advocate for union rights, having served many years as a local steward. She distinguished herself serving as an Assistant State Steward for the Washington Rural Letter Carrier Association, where she touched the lives of many postal employees in the state of Washington. She enjoyed nothing more than helping others. She retired seven years ago and continued to accept phone calls from friends who respected her expertise.

Donna is survived by her husband, Stephen Roakes, her mother Luella Melton, her brother Billy Melton, her dearly loved nieces and nephew Allison, Alayna, Aaron, and a wonderful clan of Melton family relatives in the Tacoma area. Billy, Alayna, Lori, Cathy, Becky, and other relatives honored her with their efforts to help us enjoy her memory.

Donna clearly felt that mourning the loss of a loved one was a selfish act. She advocated that one should find a happy memory and embrace the joy of their journey. She would want me to say, "When you get the choice to sit it out or dance...I hope you dance." That attitude is a great example of her zeal for life. To that extent, there will be three events open to any of her friends and families as they see fit.

• Donna will be interned At Mount Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. A 30 minute ceremony will start promptly at 1: 15 on Friday, May 23, 2014.

• Immediately following internment, a memorial service will be conducted at the main Lodge of Lake Wilderness Lodge from 2: 15 – 4: 15 on Friday, May 23, 2014. This facility is located at 22500 SE. 248th St., Maple Valley, Washington.

• A "Celebration of Life" gathering will occur on Sunday, June 1, 2014 from 2:30 to 5:30 at Events at Sunset Located at 915 Bypass Hwy., Richland, WA. Come prepared to share your memories and expect an open mic.