Donna Rae Monroe

Donna Rae (Athey) Monroe

September 24, 1932 – December 9, 2025

Donna Rae (Athey) Monroe passed away peacefully at The Oaks of Lebanon in Lebanon, Oregon, on December 9, 2025. She was a resident at The Oaks for more than a decade. She dearly loved the staff and caretakers at The Oaks and considered them family. They showed her much love in return.

Donna was born in Woodlake, Nebraska on September 24, 1932 to William and Fern (Fancher) Athey. She was the oldest of four sisters. The family moved from Nebraska to Mill City, Oregon during Donna's high school years. They settled in Lebanon in the fall of 1950. Donna attended her senior year at Lebanon Union High School, graduating in 1951. She met fellow graduate, Robert (Bob) Monroe, that school year. They were married in July 1952 and were married for 48 years until his death.

Bob & Donna lived most of their married lives in Lebanon and Albany, with shorter stays in other parts of Oregon, but Lebanon was always home. Donna was a homemaker for much of her life, but co-managed several retirement facilities with her husband in later years. She also supported her husband, Bob, in his years serving at the local Elks Lodge going through the leadership levels. They very much enjoyed their time and relationships developed there. They enjoyed dancing, traveling, Beaver football, and spending time with their grandchildren. Donna was a talented seamstress and a creative crafter.

Donna is survived by her son, Robert (Dani) Monroe of Lebanon, daughter Kathy (Mike) Gordon of Redmond, Oregon, grandchildren Christopher (Kellie) Perry and Adam (Kimberly) Perry all of Bend, Oregon, and Christopher (Kelley) Anderlik of Lebanon. She was also very proud of her six great-grandchildren. Donna's sister, Joyce Rose, resides in Albany; her brother-in-law, Richard Monroe, resides in Lebanon. Donna was beloved by numerous surviving cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her youngest son, Donald, her two sisters, Gloria Shanks and Shirley Waggoner, and many, many dear friends.

At her request, no formal memorial services will be held. Her family will celebrate her life in a private service at a later date.