Donna was born in Chehalis, Washington, on April 28, 1941, to parents 16-year-old Agnes Gongwer and Harold Baker weighing in at just over 2 pounds. She was as big in life as she was small at birth. Less than a year later, her sister, Julee, was born. The girls lived with grandparents Pheobe and Freemont Baker on a small acreage in Orchards, Washington. Five years later, they moved to Vancouver, Washington, with their mother and stepfather.
Donna married Harold Keever and had four children: Scarlet, Harold, Patricia and Robert.
Donna worked for Fred Meyer for 37 years until her retirement. She was an avid, almost fanatic fan of the Portland Trail Blazers. She attended many games with her friend, Josh, who lovingly referred to her as "Grandma D." She was also a fan of the Oregon Ducks.
Donna was very proud of becoming an ordained minister. She officiated two of her granddaughters’ weddings. She was a great gardener and could out-fish almost everyone.
Donna passed away at her home in Portland, Oregon. She bravely opted out of any cancer treatments and was lovingly cared for by Robert, Melissa, Scarlet and her sister, Julee.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Harold, her second husband, Wally Popp, and her infant grandson, Nicholas.
Donna is survived by her four children, Scarlet, Robert (Melissa), Harold (Jan) and Patricia (Phil); her 11 grandchildren, Emerald, Amanda, Crissy, Lindsey, Ashley, David, Steven, Zac, Abigail and Gracie; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Julee.
The family is planning a celebration of life on April 28 in Portland, Oregon. Please RSVP by March 15 if you would like to come celebrate her with us and support us in our loss. You can privately message or call so we can provide the details. We, with the deepest gratitude, appreciate all the love, kindness and support from family, friends and all who knew her. We are especially grateful for the hospice team who are checking in on us and who have helped us get through this difficult time.
