Donna L. Ostrander died on Nov. 14, 2025 in Hermiston at the age of 84.
She was born on Feb. 27, 1941 in Portland to Jack and Peggy Zorn McAlister.
She was raised in Oregon City, graduating from Roosevelt High School. Donna was united in marriage to Merlyn Lloyd “Digger” Ostrander on Aug. 6, 1959 in West Lynn. They went on to be parents to three beautiful daughters, Tamra Lee Ostrander, Debra Lynn Ostrander and Tandy Jessica Ostrander, and one handsome son, Bo Ostrander. They also fostered 28 babies over the years.
Donna worked as a seamstress at Pendleton Woolen Mills in Milwaukie before moving to Eastern Oregon in 1977, where she had lived since. She later worked as a teller for First Interstate Bank before going to work for AmeriTitle, where she worked until retiring in 2006. Donna enjoyed working in her flower gardens, knitting, crocheting, cooking, spending time at the Oregon coast and, more than anything, being with her family and friends. She loved Elvis and animals and was a woman who always gave unconditional love and made sure to take care of everyone. Donna was loved beyond measure and will be missed by many.
She is survived by her brother, Gary Swanson and his wife Nancy; daughters, Debbie McCann, Jill Johnson and her husband Donny, Tandy Rehberg and her husband Mike, and Katy Chaffin and her husband Curt; son, Bo Ostrander; grandchildren, Tara (Tad), Trista, Kayla, Blaine (Annie), Dalton (Tyan), Larry, Hailey and Colten; great-grandchildren, Summer, Quintin, Dominic, Jordynn, Xander, Sage, Jenna, Lylah, Elsie and Clara; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a daughter, Tammy Morin; a brother, Dave McAlister; and a niece, Connie Gregory.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 at 1:15 p.m. at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland.
A celebration of life service will be on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Harkenrider Senior Center, 225 N.E. Second St., Hermiston.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donna’s memory may be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice Education Fund.
Please share memories of Donna with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
