Grandma Cook

Donna Cook obituary

Donna Fae Cook
Donna Cook of Echo, Oregon, left her earthly home on March 8, 2010 at the age of 80.　 She was born in Rigby, Idaho, on December 31, 1929 to Floyd and Mary Smith. She was married and sealed for time and all eternity to L. Vernon Cook on November 10, 1949 in the Idaho Falls, Idaho temple.

She was preceded in death by her eldest son Kent, foster daughter and son-in-law Barb and Frank Dana, and infant granddaughter Rochelle Salisbury. She is survived by her husband, L. Vernon Cook, her sister Maureen Thurston and brothers Reid, Lynn, and Brent Smith.　 Her surviving children include Dianne Hunt (Joel) Boise, Idaho; Sherri Salisbury (Mark) Basin City, Washington; Brian Cook (Karli) Irrigon, Oregon; Darla Hartsteen (Wally), Hermiston, Oregon; Lorilee Mitchell (Rick) Bonney Lake, Washington; Launa Allphin (Steve) Highland, Utah; foster daughter Marie Smart (Rod) Heber, Utah; Michelle Hullinger (Randy) Vancouver, Washington, and Kent’s wife Sharon, Sandy, Oregon; 57 grandchildren and 76 great-grandchildren.

Donna and Vernon’s journey together began on a farm in Shelton, Idaho. Because of Vernon’s veteran status they pursued an opportunity to develop land through the Columbia Basin Project and moved to Moses Lake, Washington in 1953. They moved to Basin City, Washington in 1958 and Echo, Oregon in 1972 where they currently reside.　 Donna was not a spectator in the farming venture, but rather very much involved in the family business where she worked side by side with her husband in addition to raising and nurturing their children.

Throughout her life, the Church was an integral part of her being. She was selfless in her nature as she helped others learn and grow while joyfully maintaining her sense of humor throughout life’s varied situations. She especially enjoyed being involved with the youth of the Church and she enthusiastically incorporated play as she rendered service to others.　 Donna always looked for the good and positive things in life. She had a great gift and love for music and it played a big part in her life as she shared her talent with others. She was also passionate about her yard; the fruits of her labor are apparent.　

Upon retirement from farming, Donna and Vernon were called to serve four missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where they served together and cultivated their love for the people of Central and South America. Most recently they were serving in the Columbia River Temple.

Donna leaves a legacy of faith and love for family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege and opportunity of knowing her.　

The funeral will be held on Monday, March 15th at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing from 9:00—10:30 a.m. at the LDS church on 11th and Highland. There will also be a viewing the evening before (Sunday) at Burns Mortuary, 685 W. Hermiston Ave. in Hermiston Oregon on March 14, 2010 from 6:00—8:00 p.m.

Burial will follow in the Echo Cemetery, Echo, Oregon

Any contributions in her memory may be made to the Humanitarian Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.　http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/

Please sign the condolence Book at www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.