Gila Grace Doneen

11/30/1919 - 02/26/2011

DONEEN,
Gila Grace
(Age 91)

Of Oakesdale, Washington died on February 26, 2011. Grace was born November 30, 1919 in Oakesdale, WA to Walter F. and Grace (Brown) Pickelsimer. At age three, Grace and family moved to a ranch near Miles City, MT. She graduated in 1937 from Custer County High School and attended Kinman Business School in Spokane. She worked at Brogan's Hardware Store in Oakesdale prior to her marriage to John H. Doneen at Holy Rosary Parish, Rosalia, WA on June 8, 1940. They farmed the Doneen ranch located between Oakesdale and Farmington where they raised seven children: Larry, Byron, Kathleen (Koons), Susan (Caruso), John, Tim and Mark Doneen. Mrs. Doneen was preceded in death by her son Johnny (1964), her husband of 60 years (2000) and by grandson Eric Lease (2007). She also lost siblings Walter, Lavern, Traverce, and Miles Pickelsimer, Kenneth Person and Betty June Person (Seavor). Upon retirement, Grace and John lived in Tekoa, WA for 20 years. Upon John's death, Grace lived at Broadway Court Estates, Spokane Valley, WA. She is survived by one brother David Keith Person of Nevada, six children, seventeen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Grace was a devoted member of St. Catherine of Sienna (Oakesdale), Sacred Heart (Tekoa) and St. Mary's (Spokane Valley) parishes. Grace's children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends will remember her love, generosity and support, including the numerous joyous dinners, picnics and Priest Lake outings she provided over many years. Vigil will be at 7:00 p.m. on Monday,
March 7 at Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division St., Spokane with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 503 N. Walnut Rd. Spokane Valley, WA. Please sign Grace's online guestbook at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to: