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DeAnna McDONALD Obituary

McDONALD, DeAnna M. (Frack) Our beautiful DeAnna was promoted to the Kingdom of Heaven Wednesday, February 5, 2014 following a courageous battle with colon cancer. She was 53. De was born to Lucinda (Hieber) and Carl Frack on March 23, 1960. De was raised in a church in Villa Park, IL where her father was the pastor. She attended ninth grade at Willowbrook High School before moving to Montpelier, OH with her family. There, she graduated from North Central High School in Pioneer, OH before joining the U.S. Air Force as a Dental Assistant. Her first assignment was at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH where she met Jim McDonald, her husband of 31 years. They shared assignments at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, AK and Fairchild AFB in Spokane. De proudly served for 20 years. She was then hired as the office manager of Cascade Oral Surgery where she worked for the last 14 years. De was a 24-year resident of Spokane. De had a strong faith. She believed that Jesus died for her sin and has given her everlasting life. She was an inspirational, compassionate and loving person who made everyone feel like a life-long friend. She selflessly made time for anyone in need. De believed in giving back by supporting charities such as the MS Walk and the Jingle Bell Walk/Run while battling Rheumatoid Arthritis herself. Above all else, De wanted her life to bring glory to God. De was passionate about her belief that all animals should be treated with kindness and respect. She loved her dogs whom she trained to bring joy to the residents of nursing homes. She was adventurous, loving the exhilaration of white water rafting down the Lochsa and jet skiing up the Snake River. De reveled in the wonder and beauty of nature; a Bald Eagle soaring overhead; a Hummingbird drinking from a flower. She loved walking and biking on the Centennial Trail and cross-country skiing in the crispness of fresh mountain air after a new snow. With great humility she felt blessed by all these gifts from God. De was preceded in death by her beloved parents. She is survived by her loving husband, Jim; her daughter, Melissa of Sedro Woolley, WA; her sister, Sharon (Rodney) Farrar of Littleton, CO; her brothers, James (Sharon) Frack of Lombard, IL and John (Deborah) Frack of El Dorado Hills, CA; two grandchildren, Kaetlyn and Justus; many nieces, nephews and grandnephews; and a multitude of cherished friends. This world is a better place because DeAnna was in it. We are all better people just to have known her. De's family would like to thank Dr. Wittenkeller, Marie Aberle and the extraordinary staff at Rockwood Valley Cancer Treatment Center whose compassionate care made De's battle much less difficult. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 on February 24, 2014 at the Spokane Bible Church, 9419 N Five Mile Rd, Spokane, WA 99208 with interment following at 2:15 at Washington State Veteran's Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola Rd, Medical Lake, WA 99022. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS), 2521 N. Flora Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, the ASPCA, www.aspca.org/donate, or the Moody Bible Institute, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60610.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review from Feb. 16 to Feb. 24, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for DeAnna McDONALD

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March 13, 2014

Jim,
I just found out about De yesterday...we moved from AK to CO 11 months ago and the card you sent finally caught up with us. Even though De and I lost touch the past few years, she always lived and lives in my heart. My memories of us up in Alaska (at the dental clinic and in Eagle River) are my fondest. De lit up my life and everyone elses. She was there for me when my son was born and never, ever missed an opportunity to ask "how's my Randy Scott"? I would push our newborn son to your home in the summer and De and I would just sit outside on the grass with Moose--we certainly share a love for goldens and dogs in general. De was a one of a kind---a gem. God Bless you and your family. She spoke about you all the time, Love, Jena Bienia

Brandy Fulton

March 10, 2014

Jim,
I'm sorry for your loss. Deanna & I met in the Air Force back in Dental tech school. She was an amazing, fun & fabulous individual who I was so blessed to have been friends with. We kept in/out of touch over the years, but never enough. I'm so saddened by her loss and we all are better people for knowing her. I can hear her laugh in my mind and I can recall so many fond memories from those earliest AF days. She was the brightest & the best to know.
I'm sorry to hear that she battled cancer but now she is at peace. Bless you and your family. Hugs to you!
Thank you for sending the post card & picture of her & her dogs to me.

Bill Swem

March 8, 2014

De, you were a great person and friend. You will be in my heart and memories forever, love you

March 6, 2014

I agree with all the wonderful things people have said about their experience of De. She DID light up a room when she walked in. She was always smiling and had the most infectious laugh which you heard often in any conversation with her. I never heard an unkind word spoken by her. She was a rare soul that walked the talked and lived her life with total love and zest. She raised the bar high, exemplifying kindness and love I met her at Fairchild AFB. Pediatrics people didn't meet up with dental people, so much precious time was wasted before I met her at the Yakima training ground. After that we were friends for life. Our journeys took us different directions, she to Alaska and me to Japan but we kept in touch. I wish I had done so more often now. De had so many friends but as someone said before , she always made you feel like her absolute best friend and you always felt better having spent even a few minutes with her. She radiated a love of life, love of people, kindness and was always helping someone out or listening to someone who needed to talk things out. What a gift she was to all who knew her, a precious friend we all will dearly miss. Even though I didn't call or get over to Eastern Washington to see her often, I always knew she was there and found that comforting that I could call or go any time. My heart goes out to her dear husband and best friend of 31 years and all of her family. I will strive to be more like De. What an absolute Angel. Thanks so much De for all you taught me. You will forever be in my heart, and we'll meet again. love Ann

February 26, 2014

May your Loving Memories, Family & Friends help to ease your sorrow. Please lean on the God of All Comfort who gives us Hope @ Isa 33:24; John 11:33-44; Lu 23:43 & Ps 37:9-11,29 to help you during this difficult time.

February 25, 2014

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.

Jo Junkins

February 24, 2014

I met De in 1990 when my first daughter, Katie was born. I lived behind her for four years and then she and Jim moved. When we also were ready to move, she said, Jo, there is a house right across the street from us. And sure enough we bought it. All of my girls called her Aunt De. She would often have them over for sleep overs. I can honestly say De was the kindest person I have ever met and I feel having her as my friend was a great privilege. I will miss you so much!

Lou & Nou Rodriquez

February 23, 2014

Dee,

Jim and Family, Nou and I Lou offer our deepest condolences to you & Family.We worked together at Elmendorf AFB. She always had smile on her face and always a pleasure to know. Dee was a wonderful lady,& friend to many. She will be greatly missed by us and her friends.May she rest in Peace.

April and Craig Person

February 23, 2014

We were saddened to hear about the passing of De. Throughout the years when we saw each other and she always had a smile and a kind comment. Our thoughts and Prayers are with her, Jim and De's family. With deepest respects, April and Craig Person

Patty Boyd

February 23, 2014

Where there was hatred, she brought love.
Where there was despair, she brought hope.
Where there was darkness, she brought light.
Where there was doubt, she brought truth.
Where there was sadness, she brought joy.
She never sought so much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved, as to love, with all her soul.
She was a channel of His Peace
Until we meet again, my beautiful Sister...
I love you

Heather Myers

February 22, 2014

De was a great person and she will be truly missed.

John

February 20, 2014

Sincere condolences to the McDonald family.
May the God of comfort be with you and
your family at this sad and difficult
time. Draw close to God and He will
draw close to you. James 4:8

Lynette Moran

February 18, 2014

De was a close friend for over 20 yrs. We worked together in the Dental Clinic at Fairchild AFB. De and I shared a love for animals especially dogs. She had an amazing personality, I miss her more then words can say. May you rest in peace sweet angel.

Mark Howard

February 17, 2014

The last time I saw De was in September on the Centennial Trail. My wife Sharon and I were riding our bikes and De didn't recognize us at first and we didn't recognize her at first either as we were traveling in opposite directions. We were just strangers at that point and De said "good morning, what a great day!" We stopped as soon as we heard her unique voice and stopped to catch up. That's when we found out about her battle with cancer. Sharon and I knew De a lot longer when she was healthy than when she was sick and I can sincerely say she was one of God's gifts to everyone she had contact with. I never heard her say a bad thing about anyone in all of the time I knew her. She always made you feel like the only person in the room and you always felt like your soul was a little re-charged after spending time with her. De, I will always stop and think about what a wonderful person you were when I am at that spot on the trail we last saw you and try to make the world a better place by trying to be a little more like you. Rest in Peace

Kari Buell

February 17, 2014

I worked in the same bldg as De, my life was blessed by knowing her. She has left a footprint on many lives. Will be seeing you later my dear, precious, sister in Christ. Loves, Kari

Don Larkin

February 16, 2014

What a classy lady. De always made me smile and made the day brighter. My most heart felt condolences to her family. Thank you for your service to this great country, and the friendship you gave so willingly.

Lauri Mokiao-Willett

February 16, 2014

Although De was only an aquaintance of mine, I remember her vividly. The thing I will always remember about her is that she was always smiling. Also there was just something about her. She radiated light. Literally lighting up a room when she entered. And I know she was always willing to help anyone. Such a beautiful woman. Simply luminous. Already an angel on Earth.

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