Donna L. Poire, 63, passed away peacefully at her home in Garfield, Washington, on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Donna was born October 10, 1962, in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Charles and Joan Ruyle. Her family moved often during her early years, so Donna had traveled quite a bit before she ever started school. In 1970, the family settled in Spokane, Washington, where she grew up and lived until she left for Washington State University. What began as her college years at WSU became a relationship with the university that would last more than thirty years.

Donna spent her career at WSU, first working in Admissions and later serving as assistant to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management in the Office of the Provost. She knew the university from the inside out. Over the years, people across campus came to rely on her knowledge, her memory, and, perhaps most of all, her willingness to help.

New software, a changing hiring procedure, a complicated budget question — Donna would take it on. It didn't really matter if the problem was hers or belonged to someone who had simply asked for her help. She would figure it out.

One coworker called her "Detective Poire" because she would research, ask questions, and keep digging until she had an answer. Another remembered his first day in Pullman, when Donna drove in from Garfield to meet him at his hotel and bring him his office key, simply because she thought a new employee should feel welcome. She wasn't even his assistant yet.

That was Donna. She noticed what needed to be done, and she did it. Most of the time, nobody had to ask.

Donna was a private person, and she didn't always let people see what was going on beneath the surface. But those who got to know her found someone deeply caring, loyal, and genuine. She had a way of making people feel important, regardless of their title. A vice provost and someone working at the front desk could expect the same warmth and genuine interest from her.

She was protective of the people she cared about and a natural leader, although she probably would have been the last person to describe herself that way. She gave people guidance and steadiness, even when she was quietly carrying her own burdens.

Donna was endlessly curious. She loved documentaries and could get interested in just about anything — news, history, religion, or simply something she hadn't learned about yet. She loved to garden. She had a well-timed sense of humor and a gift for turning a standing work meeting into an hour of venting, laughing, and probably getting a little less work done than planned.

And Donna was a cat person. She wouldn't invite the strays into the house, but the dish by her door was never empty.

Donna lived in Washington while her mother, niece, and nephews were in Arizona, but the distance never meant she wasn't part of their lives. She never forgot an important event or what was happening with the people she loved. Her nephews, Jared and Ruben, spent time with her in Washington when they were younger and got to experience Garfield life firsthand. Her niece, Katelyn, always knew her "Auntie Donna" was paying attention, even from hundreds of miles away.

In Garfield, Donna was family. She is loved and will be greatly missed by Laura, Randy, Jamie, and Gage, who counted her as one of their own and knew her as kind, loving, independent, and, yes, stubborn.

She is also survived by her mother, Joan Ruyle of Scottsdale, Arizona; her brothers, Richard Ruyle of Scottsdale, Arizona, and David Ruyle of Spokane, Washington; her nephews, Jared Ruyle and Ruben Ruyle; her niece, Katelyn Ruyle; and many cherished friends and coworkers.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Ruyle.

Donna was dearly loved. She had a quiet way of taking care of people, a curious mind, a strong sense of loyalty, and a personality that people who knew her won't forget. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and coworkers, and she will be remembered always.

A Gathering in Remembrance of Donna Family and friends are invited to join us on Saturday, October 3rd from 1 PM – 3 PM at The American Legion Hall #24 in Garfield, WA for an informal gathering to remember and celebrate Donna’s life. There will be light refreshments, time to visit, and an opportunity to share stories and memories. Please come and go as you’re able.