Donna Jean Parrish

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/62617019/donna-jean-parrish

Donna Jean Parrish, 78, died Sept. 13, 2010, at her brother's home in Yamhill, Ore.

She was born Donna Jean Freeman in Wilsonville, Neb., on April 19, 1932, to Cletus and Bessie Freeman. Donna Jean grew up in the Assembly of God church where her father was a minister. She was the elder of two children, her brother Richard being eight years younger.

Donna Jean attended Hillsboro Union High School in Oregon, where she met her future husband, Elton Parrish. They were married Dec. 30, 1951. Donna's father, Rev. Freeman, performed the marriage ceremony. Rev. Freeman was kind enough to give them money and loaned them his car for the honeymoon.

During most of Donna Jean's life, she was a wife to Elton, a homemaker for the family and a mother to her son, Dennis Eugene, the only child. As the wife of a career military man, she was the person frequently responsible for keeping the home in order and raisng a son during the long months or years her husband was away serving his country. In her own way, she too served our nation by keeping a household and family together when it was necessary for her husband to go in harm's way.

Donna Jean became a mother-in-law when her son married Andrea Lynne Jeglum of Fairbanks Aug. 23, 1980. She became a grandmother when her two grandchildren, first Jacob Eugene and then Nina Kathryn, were born. There was never a more proud or loving grandmother.

Later in life, Donna Jean became a breast cancer survivor, but three years later she was found to have advanced lung cancer. She passed away while she and Elton were visiting her brother Richard and his wife Leah in Oregon.

Donna Jean quietly went home Sept. 13, 2010, under a peaceful sky full of stars and a moon shining brightly. Her husband Elton was at her side to say goodbye.

She now rests in Fort Richardson National Cemetery. For those who wish, donations in her memory may be made to Providence Hospice, 3485 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage 99507.