Donna Marie Martin of Hermiston passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2022 at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Wash. at the age of 70, with her family by her side.
She was born on June 6, 1952 in The Dalles to Bill and Jackie Hart.
Donna grew up in Hermiston on a small ranch called Golden M Ranch, where her father trained horses. She was a true cowgirl; she broke and rode horses, was in the Sage Riders, and rode in parades with her little sister Margie and brother Billy beside her on their horses. Donna attended school in Hermiston. During her junior and senior years, she worked at Umatilla Army Depot part time as a secretary. During her junior year she met the love of her life, Cliff Martin, and they married a few months later. She graduated in 1970 from Hermiston High School. She and Cliff always talked about having a little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, and nine months later she was born; they named her Tammy Marie after the song! They purchased their first home a few years later on Ridgeway in Hermiston. She worked with her husband Cliff at the Umatilla Army Depot for a few years before retiring early because of her health.
Donna loved looking out the window at her birds, reading Jane Kirkpatrick books, and her two dogs, Gracie and Honeybear. She loved her grandchildren more than life, and traveling the world with her soul mate, Cliff. Donna enjoyed camping, shopping in Tri-Cities with her daughter, doing puzzles with her granddaughter, Kamree, and giving the biggest hugs and kisses to Liam and Braxton.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Cliff Martin, Hermiston; daughter, Tammy (Martin) Peters of Hermiston; granddaughter, Shandie Peters; great grandchildren, Kamree Reavely, Liam Barclay, Makayla Peters and Braxton Christiansen, all of Hermiston; sister, Margie Hendricks, Colville, Wash.; and many extended family members she adored.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Bill Hart and Jackie Payne; step-dad, David Payne; brother, Bill Hart; her best friend of 45 years, Darta McCoy; and many beloved family members.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
A reception will be at 3 p.m. at the Pheasant Cafe on Main Street in Hermiston.
Memorial contributions can be made for Donna Martin to HAPO Community Credit Union in Hermiston, in person or over the phone, to help with expenses.
Please share memories of Donna with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
