Donna Sue Lunders

1945 - 2025

Donna Sue Lunders

July 12, 1945 - January 25, 2025

Richland, Washington - Donna Sue Hickman was born on July 12, 1945, in Pittsburg, Kansas to Margaret Marie & Donald Paul Hickman. She was the oldest of four siblings, residing in Pittsburg, Kansas until around 1947 when her dad's job brought her to Kennewick, WA.

Her mother fell ill when she was only 8, and that's where Donna's caretaking journey began. Changing diapers, packing her Daddy's lunch and making sure there was always warm supper ready when her dad got home became part of her daily routine, allowing her mom to rest.

She graduated from Kennewick High School & fell in love with her husband Earl Lunders. They got married on October 2, 1965, and moved to Pasco. In 1972, they bought their house that would become a hub for many holidays and get-togethers. They became parents to four children and eventually grandparents to 14.

Donna started working at Pasco High School in 1989 as a Paraeducator and stayed there until her retirement in 2010, receiving an award for her educational contributions. She had a talent for working with and empathizing with kids.

She had a chipper, kind-hearted spirit and an action-oriented, figure-it-out mentality. She was a go-getter and truly embodied the saying "if there's a will there's a way". She was always creative– when she needed a family photo and Earl's sister Cecilia wasn't in one, she took her scissors and photo copier to make a nice family photo. She didn't even need photoshop!

She always had a cup of tea– any temperature, because that's the best part about tea is that it's good either way. You start with hot and later you can add some ice and it's good that way too.

Practical and prepared, Donna stored loaves of bread, bacon, meats and sweets in the freezer– all pristinely wrapped with the skills of an experienced prepper. She could make a meal out of just about anything and always seemed prepared to feed a crowd. Known by many as "Grandma", she could be found on mornings in her silky nightdress, flipping pancakes and French toast on the griddle in the kitchen. If you spent time with her in the kitchen, you'd be granted the title "special person" that day and given a piece of bacon before breakfast. She enjoyed sharing her wealth of cooking knowledge. She also shared her love for Corelle dishes with her children and grandchildren, as she could store many plates to feed a crowd, and they aren't as easy to break.

She always knew when you needed a hug, and she had the BEST hugs. A tender and snug squeeze of affection, capable of melting all the world's worries away, sealed with a kiss on the forehead & an "I love you baby" or "I love you more than chocolate".

Donna is survived by her children, Lana Rockwell, Garrett Lunders, Darsey Withrow (Sean), and Derek Lunders (Jessica). Survived also by her grandchildren, Ashley Rockwell (Kevin), Dakota Rockwell (Tana), Autumn Lunders, Kassandra & Megan Withrow, Shane Lunders, Chris, Cameron & Joseph Lunders, and Jonothon, Connor, Garrett & Morgan-Donna Lunders. She is also survived by siblings Donald (Cindy), Larry (Rose), Sharon & in-laws Pete, Jim (Karen) & Cecilia.

Please join us for Donna Sue Lunder's funeral and reception.

Date & Time: 2/22/2025 at 1pm, Location: Mueller's Funeral Home 1608 W Court St, Pasco, WA. The reception will follow at Life Tribute 314 W 1st Ave, Kennewick, WA.