Donnale Harp

July12,1935 - March1,2018

Donnale
(Smith) Harp

July 12, 1935 -
March 1, 2018

Donnale was born in Chino, California. Due to a family separation her father was not a factor in her life after third grade. She lived with her mother and brothers, in San Dimas where she attended school through the sixth grade.

Her single-mom family purchased some remote undeveloped land "sight unseen" near the small community of Noti, Oregon west of Eugene. They cut trees and built a small one room log cabin during the first summer. This was quite a feat as Donnale was 9 years old and the brothers were 12 and 16. The logs had to be hand carried or pulled by ropes, as there was no horse nor tractor power. It is interesting to note that Donnale and her older brother put up the last log at the top of the wall while her mother and other brother were not at home. Additional rooms were slowly added during future summers. In addition to working on the house, it was necessary to work harvesting whatever crops were available as that and selling some trees were the only sources of income.

Donnale graduated from the 8th grade at Noti Grade School and attended all four years at Elmira High School. By saving the money she earned picking crops, she was able to get her teaching degree at the Oregon College of Education in Monmouth, Oregon. She and her brothers all graduated from O.C.E. the same year, and enjoyed successful teaching careers.

Donnale married Dale Harp, a fellow student at O.C.E., and raised four children. Dale preceded her in death. Donnale truly enjoyed doing things with the family and taking part in Elder Hostel activities. She also volunteered for the adult literacy program. She had always enjoyed traveling and had the opportunity to go visit a brother in Guam where she was hired to teach school. Prior to that her teaching experiences were in Polk County schools.

Donnale authored a book, "Dixie and the Kids", referring to her mother and children, in which she shares her growing up experiences during her pre-college years. An interesting read, it is available through Barnes and Noble and on-line at Amazon. The cabin, started in 1943, is still standing and very livable, thanks to the loving care given by family members, especially Dixie's grand daughter, Linda and her husband, David. Donnale had been very pleased that her home has been so lovingly cared for.

Donnale is survived by her two brothers, her four children, three grandchildren and eleven great grand children. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at the Salem First Christian Church on Marion Street, on Saturday April 28, 2018, at 2:00. In lieu of flowers please contribute to your favorite literacy program or read a book to someone in her memory. Please come and share stories and laughter while we remember the vibrant life of Donnale Harp.