Elmara Donaldson

Elmara L. Donaldson passed away Thursday, October 10, 2013 at Englewood Heights Assisted Living, 17 days short of her 98th birthday. Mom was born October 29, 1915 in Fredonia, KY to Elbert and Maggie Moore. She grew up and went to school in Crayne, KY. On November 4, 1940 she married Paul Donaldson in Marion, KY. The story goes that Dad spotted Mom working in a five and dime store and told himself I think I’ll go in and meet the girl I’m going to marry. They moved to Pasadena, CA and there they had their daughter, Donna, and they came back to Zillah, WA where all of Paul’s family lived. 18 months after the birth of their daughter, they welcomed their son Michael. For a short time they owned a small cafe which they called the Hamburger Cafe, but sold it and Dad went to work for the Zillah School District as a custodian and later Mom worked as the cook at the school, retiring after 25 years. After Dad passed away December 25, 1981 Mom continued living in their home until she was 90 years old. Elmara is survived by her daughter Donna Black (Andy) of Yakima, WA and her son Michael Donaldson (Dee) of Mt. Vernon, WA; four grandchildren: Lisa Black-Polak (Hans) of Westfield, NJ, Steve Black of Yakima, Michael Paul Donaldson (Nedra), and Spencer Donaldson (Janelle) of Mt. Vernon, WA; nine great-grandchildren, who called her Grandma Great: Nicholas and Emily Polak of Westfield, NJ, Natalie, Kaylie and Sarah Black of Yakima, Conner Donaldson, Cory Kleppee, Kyle, Kennedy and Kaden Donaldson all of Mt. Vernon, WA; and also nephews and nieces. Elmara was greatly loved by her family. We have wonderful memories of her holiday meals and her amazing chocolate and lemon meringue pies. She will be missed for her sweet smile and sense of humor. We were very blessed to have her for so long. Elmara was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers and an infant granddaughter. A special thank you to the staff and caregivers at Englewood Heights Assisted Living for the love and care they gave Mom. Also, Dr. Richard Boyd for his years of excellent care. Interment will be at the Zillah Cemetery. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at the Zillah Nazarene Church, 203 Miles Drive with a coffee and cookie reception following. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah is in care of the arrangements. Online tributes can be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elmara Donaldson, please visit our flower store.