Donnagene Ward

1933 - 2023

Donnagene (Paulson, Evans) Ward

April 17, 1933 - November 17, 2023

Olympia, Washington - Donnagene passed peacefully surrounded by family, in Olympia WA on Nov. 17th, 2023 at the age of 90.

Born in Shelton, WA in 1933, her parents were Donald and Helen (Young) Paulson. She spent her childhood in Shelton, graduating from Irene S. Reed High School in 1951.

In high school, Donnagene was in the Honor Society, Yearbook, Thespian Society, Girls' Club President and more. She received a 4-year Scholarship to Seattle Pacific College. She attended until family obligation brought her back to Shelton.

She was a very loving mother that supported her 4 daughters in their activities and adult lives. She enjoyed sewing, refinishing furniture, organizing events for her family and communities, volunteering at schools and she drove her girls everywhere. On family camping trips she could cook almost anything over the fire. She loved putting on grandkid camps, spectacular Easter egg hunts and stuffing Christmas socks for everyone. She was a fabulous cook. Most recognized (at least by her grandchildren) for "GG's Famous Sourdough Pancakes". She was a creative, funny, generous, loving, active and beautiful woman.

Donnagene was a working mom (including those few years she stayed home when she had twin babies). She started out at the phone company in Shelton, worked a summer at Alderbrook Inn and went on to become the school secretary at the high school in Shelton. In 1961 they dedicated the yearbook to her. One of her many part time jobs (during child rearing) was for the Camp Fire Girls. Among her duties there, she organized and ran the popular summer day camps. That (mostly volunteer) experience was instrumental in securing a job at The Evergreen State College where she developed and orchestrated their non-academic conference program. She worked there most of her career, until retirement.

Donnagene was preceded in death by her 1st husband Kenneth Evans, 2nd husband Robert Ward, partner Jack Kjer, sister Ruby Jane Batie (Paulson, Corey) and son in law John Lentz. She is survived by daughters Linda Lentz, Rhonda Thomsen (Greg), Carol Haire (Dave), Karen Powell (Rod), Niece Cindy Kellogg and Nephew Gary Corey (Linda). She has 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren.

Donnagene enjoyed nature, trees, traveling, music, reading about history, swimming, card making and scrapbooking. She is known for taking many pictures of the sunrise, sunsets, and Mt. Rainier. She loved life.

Celebration of Life will be on January 13th, 2024 at the Olympia Country & Golf Club, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Celebration will be held in the Rainier Room, located on the water side of the street. Parking is across the street.

Donations to Habitat for Humanity or favorite charity.