Obituary: Swannack, Donna Mae
Age 81
SWANNACK, Donna Mae
(Age 81)
Passed away on May 15, 2012.
She was born September 5, 1930 to Harley and Agnes Swift who farmed just outside Lamont, WA.
She attended the Lamont School.
Donna married Walter W. Swannack on May 8, 1949.
They lived and farmed land on the Davis road outside of Lamont until 1983.
They moved to a farm just outside of Winona, WA in 1983 and continued their farming adventure from there.
Donna was a giving person and active in multiple organizations throughout her life.
She was active in the Order of Eastern Star, Lamont Community Church, Lamont Women’s Club, and Lamont Grange.
Donna joined Henrietta Chapter, Order of Eastern Star at Sprague, WA in 1949 and later transferred to Golden Links Chapter in St. John, WA.
She was Worthy Matron and later Secretary for Golden Links Chapter.
She served the Grand Chapter as Deputy Instructor and later as Grand Representative of New Hampshire for Washington State.
Later in life she was active in the St. John Methodist Church and a volunteer at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center Spokane, WA and Whitman Community Hospital in Colfax, WA.
She and her sister Irma Davis were kitchen coordinators for the St. John Methodist Church for years.
She had an incredible voice, and sang frequently throughout her life for functions at her church and community including weddings and funerals.
She brought joy, happy moments, and closure to many events.
She also used her talent to uplift and encourage people during difficult moments, such as in waiting rooms at the hospital.
While residing at Riverview Care Center in Spokane she often sang and provided encouragement to residents.
She raised five children: Hope Hale, a Dietitian who lives in Loon Lake, WA; Christi Lynch in Chihuahua, Mexico, who brings faith to those in need, as she continues her life as a missionary; Steven Swannack, who farms in the Lamont area; David Swannack who farms in the Lamont area; and Charles Swannack, a General Surgeon in Missoula, MT.
She has now joined her loving husband Walter W. Swannack who passed away December 17, 1994, her grandson Mark Swannack, who passed away on September 24, 2006, her parents and sister-in-law and many good friends and relatives who preceded her in death.
Donna is survived by her brother Earl Swift; sister Irma (Harry) Davis; children Hope (Tom) Hale, Christi (Phillip) Lynch, Steven (Ann) Swannack, David (Leslie) Swannack, and Charles (Kathy) Swannack; and nine grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at Riverview Terrace Chapel on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 10:00 AM.
Parking is limited; your respect for the disabled and elderly is appreciated.
Interment will be private family only and at Spokane Memorial Gardens.
Memorials are suggested to the Mark Swannack Scholarship Fund, St. John - Endicott Schools’ Foundation PO Box 411 St. John, WA 99171 or St. John Methodist Church.
DANEKAS FUNERAL HOME-RITZVILLE is entrusted with arrangements.