Donna Mae (Wise) Brownell

March 13, 1933 to August 3 , 2019

Donna Mae(Wise) Brownell passed away peacefully in Dayton, Washington at the Booker Rest Home on Friday, August 3, 2019.

Donna was born in Lacrosse, Washington on March 13, 1933 to parents Thomas Elbert Wise and Gertrude Mae Wise. She and her four brothers and two sisters all helped on the wheat farm and were musically talented. Donna  enjoyed singing and drama at Colfax High School where she was a cheerleader for four years. She graduated in 1951.

Donna married her high school sweetheart , Larry G Brownell , on January 16, 1953 at the Methodist Church in Colfax, Washington. Their journey together took them to El Paso, Texas, Walla Walla, Oakesdale and back to Colfax where they spent most of their married life.  The couple divorced in 1978.

Donna was always musically active in community and church programs and passed that love on to her children.

Donn a is survived by 5 children : Gregory Richard Brownell ( w ife Susie ), Dayton, Washington ; Bruce Marlin Brownell (wife Erricka) Priest River, Idaho ; Darla Brownell Tubbs (husband Dana) Airway Heights , Washington ; Jonathan Lawrence Brownell (wife Jane) Sandpoint Idaho ; Gloria Kay Holgren (husband Mick) Lake Stevens, Washington ; 12 grandchildren , 16 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna is preceded in death by a daughter , Paula Bonnie Brownell , who passed away in Colfax at age 12. on July 16, 1982.  F ather , Thomas Elbert Wise ; Mother, Gertrude May Wise ; Brothers : Raymond Wise, Kenny Wise, Howard Wise, Richard Wise ; and Sisters : Bonnie Wise Leinweber, and Doris Wise Meyer.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Aug 10 at 3:00 pm at the Colfax Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations to be made to t he Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.