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Donna Lee (Wilkerson) Pauley died on Friday, April 8, 2011. She was the beloved wife of Ralph E. Pauley who preceded her in death. Their gravestone is engraved with "Together Forever" which epitomizes their 59 years of marriage. Donna spent her life focusing on her family. They were the center of her universe. She spent years caring for a "handsome young army man." She wrote letters to him everyday for two years, six months, and three days as he spent time in occupied Germany and cared for him many other years, as they grew old together. She was the mother of two, Gayle D. Pauley - her daughter and Glenn A. Pauley - her son. She modeled the true behavior of a caring, loving mother and gave each of her children a love of family. She was the mother-in-law to Rosann and recognized John as part of her daughter's life. She was the grandmother of three, wonderful, talented grandchildren. Daniel, who learned from her the importance of keeping a promise; Vivian who learned that women should have a mind of their own and a heart to give to others; and Ray, who learned that words are not always needed to convey strength of character. She considered Patty Hoff as her Bellingham daughter, and thought of her family as if they were her own. She has a brother, Bill, and dear sister-in-law, Annette, still in Texas as well as many loved nephews and nieces. She was also the "BAND MOM" and touched hundreds of student's lives as they played in concerts, marched in parades; a teacher for students who learned English, checked out books, learned reading and mathematics in her classroom. She always said that she was a consumer of music - she listened as Ralph's bands played but she was also a musician in her own right, as she sang in her school choirs at White Deer High School and at Sul Ross College. But, most importantly, she always sang with her children, riding the millions of miles driving across Texas to get to family gatherings and ultimately on the move to Washington. Celebration of her life will be held on April 23, 2011, at 2 PM, at Moles Greenacres Funeral Home, followed by a gathering at the family home. She loved roses and birds and the family suggests that you feed the birds or plant a rosebush in her honor. Or, you may make a donation to the Ralph Pauley Scholarship Fund through the Bellingham Alumni Band. You may share your memories of Donna in the online guestbook at www.molesfuneralhomes.com Moles Greenacres Funeral Home, Memorial Park, and On-site Crematory
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Donna's "Loving Friends", Jane knight & Mike Durick.
Donna and family;
As often happens with those dear to our hearts; we wish we could have said the things, done the deeds and expressed the impact that people have on our lives.
Donna; I will always remember your selfless attitude and gift for making those around you realize the blessings they have in life. Year's of watching you interact with complete strangers, acquaintances and old friends has allowed me to emulate that love for people.
As we approach the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 you can guess who was trying to help from Bellingham that day at the blood center. Donna embodies the spirit of those that lost there lives that day. As a firefighter, and I'm sure Glenn would agree with me on this point, Donna's interaction with people mimic's that. I can only pray that my life will impact others in the way that her's has. I was never involved in 'the band' and met Ralph only in passing; however, I am humbled to say that Donna has impacted my life, taught me humility and will always be remembered.
Peace.
Jon Ahrenholz
September 1, 2011
Our "Dear Sweet" Donna;
How can we ever tell you how much we will miss you and just how much you meant to both of us.
From the minute I first met you when I worked at the Bellingham Blood Center and you volunteered there, I knew we had a special connection.
Oh, the times we laughed over the silliest little things.
The fun shopping trips we had together on my days off. The time my car broke down after I had come home from a "Blood Drive" and I had no one to call. I called you and you came out late at night and brought me a cup of hot coffee and waited with me until it got fixed.
The wonderful homemade bread you always baked for Michael. The way you took my youngest son Stacy under your "wing" when I left Bellingham and made him cookies and fresh baked goods. How we laughed about him complaining about being abandoned by his own Mother at the tender age of 30.
The trip you made to Tucson to visit us after we moved back to Arizona. These are all just a few of the many wonderful memories you have left us with.
You were a brilliant candle in our lives and we shall never forget you.
We know that there is a special place in heaven for you and we know you are there with your "Special Guy" whom you missed so much.
No amount of time nor space shall ever separate our hearts.
We shall love you always, Donna.
Mike Durick & Jane Knight
August 13, 2011
Dear Pauley Family- Your beautifully written obituary says it all. I was fortunate to have had a relationship with Donna and Ralph for the past 41 years, and will always treasure the gigs, the midnight breakfasts, the sharing of the Band/Orchestra room at BHS, and the weekend crabbing. I'm so glad I was able to visit Donna on a regular basis the past several months... to reminisce; she was so very proud of all of you! God Bless!
Mark Schlichting
April 19, 2011
Donna will always be in my heart!!! Whenever I saw her she always took the time to go over old times with the band trips. She was a wonderful lady. She will be missed by more people than you know!
Debbie (DeFries) Whitaker
April 15, 2011
Patty, I am so sorry for your loss.
Stacey (Hoyt) Nguyen
April 15, 2011
I'll never forget the lemon wedges she gave us before each parade. What a great lady. She is once again with the "love of her life".
Our love to the family.
Nancy (Norr) Jones
April 14, 2011
Dear Glenn, Roseann, Vivian and Ray,
I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for the loss of your grandmother and mother. I didn't know her, but based on how special your family is, I'll bet she was especially wonderful.
Robin McConnell
April 13, 2011
So sorry to hear about your loss. Donna was my teacher at bellingham high and I knew her as a very sweet and kind woman she will be greatly missed.
Joni Kennedy
April 13, 2011
I am saddened to hear of Donna's passing! I remember when you first moved into the neighborhood, so long ago! My mom was so excited to meet another Texan! Glenn and Gayle, know that your mom and dad made a lasting impression on so many lives that they touched. You were very lucky to have been raised by such a lovely couple! My prayers and sympathy go out to you all.
God Bless,
Georgia Prather Stamey
"Reo" (Georgia) Stamey
April 13, 2011
I have some fond memories of the Pauley's. Playing in the BHS band (Class of 64) were some of the best years of my life and these two were a great part of that time. I'm sorry for your loss of but feel very confident that Donna is very happy to be back beside "her man". May she rest in peace.
Jodie (Bochnak) Niemeyer
April 13, 2011
Ralph and Donna were a valuable part of my high school years and then later again as part of my adult life! They were there for me through some "thick and thin" times for sure! I consider myself blessed to have known such giving folks such as them. Donna was the ultimate Mom to her family and she treasured the relationships that were established through the Alumni Band. I am forever grateful for being allowed to be counted as a friend to both of these wonderful people!
Shirley Smith- Milligan
April 13, 2011
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