Donna was born on June 16, 1948 in Baudette, Minn., to Elbert and Faye (Paxson) Eppenbach. She moved to Irrigon in 1951 with her parents and six siblings, her last brother was born in Oregon the following year.
Donna met her future husband Ken in the second grade at AC Houghton Elementary School in Irrigon. Ken was in the first grade and they shared the joint classroom.
Donna attended Irrigon schools and graduated from Riverside High School, in Boardman in June of 1966. She and Ken were married on Nov. 2, 1967. Donna was a loving and devoted mother and homemaker throughout all her life. Donna and Ken raised two daughters, Jennifer and Stefanie.
Donna came to know her Lord when she was seven years old in the Irrigon Community Baptist Church. She was a very active Christian all her life and loved attending church and going to bible studies and church activities. She was known for having an excellent memory and had memorized hundreds of scripture verses, numerous poems, and speeches of political figures. She was a tireless worker in special causes and projects. She loved animals especially her dogs, most of which were strays or abandoned. She was an active financial supporter of numerous church, school, and other causes, including the American Cancer Society.
Donna was looking forward to going to be with her Lord and did not fear death. She eagerly awaited the Lord’s return but if he tarried she was ready to go be with him.
Donna is survived by her husband, Ken, at their home in Irrigon; daughter, Jennifer Matlack and granddaughters, Cheyanne Matlack and Steele Hackett of Irrigon, and Danielle Atkins, Pendleton; siblings Donald and Donna Eppenbach, Irrigon, Norman and Janice Eppenbach, Umatilla, Wayne and Janice Eppenbach, Stanfield, Judy and Gene Cunningham, Ukiah, Elnora and John Marlow, Irrigon, Betty and Gary Baird, Bedford, Wyoming, John and Annette Eppenbach, Irrigon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Faye Eppenbach; and a daughter, Stefanie Atkins.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 at 11a.m. at Columbia View Community Church, Irrigon.
A private family burial will follow at the Desert lawn Memorial Cemetery.
Donna will be sorely missed by many people who knew her caring and compassionate heart and loved her.
Those who wish may make contributions in Donna’s memory to Pet Rescue, 1844 Geer Road, Hermiston, OR 97838.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
