Donna Marie Conn

DONNA MARIE CONN Donna Marie Conn passed away peacefully on July 31, 2015 at Especially You Assisted Living in Eureka, California in the loving hands of her family. She was born in DeQueen, Arkansas on June 6, 1947 and moved to Humboldt County in 1959 where she attended local schools through the 9th grade. At the young age of 16, Donna married the love of her life Jesse H. Conn, Sr. on July 28, 1963. They welcomed their son Jesse H. Conn, Jr. the following year. Together the young family enjoyed and shared their love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, driving mountain roads and especially camping together at the family's favorite campsite at Horse Linto Creek north of Willow Creek. In her early years, she worked for the fisheries where she was known as one of the fastest crab pickers. Donna loved to cook and spent the remainder of her working years in the food services industry which included operating and managing the Kings Table Buffet, owning and operating Donna's Diner and later working for Star's Hamburgers where she enjoyed serving and getting to know their loyal customers. Donna passed her love of cooking and baking on to her son Jesse and granddaughter Kelsie. Her dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls were the best! Donna is survived by her only son Jesse H. Conn, Jr., his wife Cindy, and a very special granddaughter Kelise Conn who she adored. Donna truly understood the love of family and she loved them unconditionally and unselfishly. She is survived by her aunt Donna Mae Riggs and family of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her brother-in-law Willie Conn and family of Freshwater; sister-in-law Donna Davis and family of Arcata, and brother-in-law Donny Conn and family of Eureka. Donna is also survived by three very dear friends: Sandy Vance of Eureka, Patty Janowski of Fortuna, and Joeann Spurling of Fields Landing. Donna was preceded in death by her husband Jesse H. Conn, Sr.; her father Harry C. Barnes; her mother Betty J. Russum and step-father Keith Russum; and her brother Joe Carter and his wife Elsie. A very special and heartfelt thank you to Hospice of Humboldt, especially Genevieve, Robbie, Erin and Nick; the entire staff at Especially You Assisted Living, and Sandy Vance for your compassionate care and support during the final stages of Donna's illness. At Donna's request, no services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home in Eureka. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Humboldt, 2010 Myrtle Ave, Eureka, California 95501. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obits.