A life motivated by serving her Lord, raising and loving her expansive family with the same mission, Dona Shinabarger was rewarded with the ultimate embrace from her Savior on December 5th, 2018.  Her last breath on earth was followed by her first breath in Heaven, and reunited with the love of her life Roger, and all those she waited so patiently to see again.  She was born November 9, 1930 in the small town of Orange City, Iowa to her parents Theodore and Dollie Brink.  After the passing of her father Theodore, Dona was embraced as his own by Leo Penn upon his marriage to Dollie. 

Dona experienced life throughout the Midwest, notably in Minnesota, and finally settled down in Richland Washington.  During her life adventures, she was blessed with the opportunities to share her love for the Lord to so many people in a variety of venues.  From humble beginnings as a homemaker, to Co-Owning the Modern Cleaners dry cleaning business with her husband Roger in Alexandria Minnesota, and finally managing the Richland Health Food Store.  Once established in Richland, Dona and Roger became active in the Richland Alliance Church and First Baptist Church of Richland throughout their life.  Dona was active in the Hmong Refugee Program, served as a Sunday school teacher, Bible Study Fellowship leader and enjoyed many years as “tour guides” for the Prime Timers group.  

To have known Dona is to understand and feel genuine love and hope.  Her wants in life were simple; praise her God, love her family and hope for the great purpose the Lord has for each of us to be realized.  Her Faith impacts generations, her Fellowship and Discipleship stretches the globe and her love for her family and God is literally immeasurable.

Dona was preceded in death by: her parents; Infant brother Quinten; precious granddaughter Julie; beloved son Jack; dear daughter-in-law Becky and love of her life Roger. She is survived by her children: son, Ted Shinabarger of Alexandria, MN; daughter-in-law Ronda Shinabarger of White Sulphur Springs, MT; daughter, Cindy (Steve) Newhouse of Walla Walla, WA; daughter, Linda (Richard) Basney of Hurricane, UT; and son, David (Rachel) Shinabarger of Richland, WA.  Her life was also blessed by 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren (plus one on the way) and four great great-grandchildren.

Celebration of life will be January 19, 2019 beginning at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, 1107 Wright Ave, Richland, WA with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The family would like to give special thanks to Wayne Moss, a caring and loving neighbor for many years, offering friendship and support through the kindness of his heart and driven by love.