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Donna Louise Harris was born in Powell, Wyoming, on Aug. 8, 1937, to Orville and Betty Yonts. She was born into eternal life on July 6, 2022, in Hemet, California. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Donna is survived by her brother Michael Yonts; five children, James, Jack, Darrel, Deborah and Jo Anne; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Donna and her family moved to Rosemead, California, where she attended high school, met her husband and had five children. She held several jobs while raising her family and was active in the local PTA, Cub Scouts, and the U.S. Power Squadron. The family enjoyed boating, camping and fishing.
When her children were grown, Donna followed her lifelong calling to join the ministry attending the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, earning a Masters of Divinity degree. In January 1990, she was ordained in her home parish, the First Presbyterian Church of Baldwin Park, California. Donna became pastor of two churches in rural Illinois: Faith Presbyterian Church in Niota, and United Methodist Church in Colusa. In 1993 Donna was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from the President of the United States for her exceptional efforts and spirit of self-sacrifice during the Mississippi River Floods of 1993.
Donna was a caring mother; her children always came first. She would always listen and give her feedback without judgment. She encouraged her children to grow each and every day. Donna approached her ministry in similar fashion; her parishioners came first. She organized events, took church members on adventures, and encouraged them to grow each and every day in their spiritual life.
A memorial service to celebrate Donna’s life was held on July 18, 2022, in California. Donna will be buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell. The graveside service will be held on July 29, 2022, at 10 a.m.
