Donna Marie Van Gorder

Donna Van Gorder passed away surrounded by love on Tuesday morning, Nov. 27, 2012 in Salem after living 88 full, enriched years. She was born the second of four children to Dallas Everett and Leona Holman Daniels on May 20, 1924 in Manassa, CO. Donna attended schools in Manassa, and then at the age of 20, joined the United States Navy where she proudly served her country. It was during those Navy years that she met the love of her life, Richard \u0026quot;Dic\u0026quot; Van Gorder. On July 1, 1945 they were married in Grand Junction, CO. They enjoyed 64 happy years together before Dic passed away in November 2009. Dic\u0027s work at Gable Funeral Home in Portland brought the couple to the Pacific Northwest in 1948. It was in Portland where they raised their three daughters - Dian, Denise and Debbie. Besides a busy family life, Donna was involved with church service as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was also a master member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, where she served over 50 years and had many lifelong friends. She had a gift for hosting gatherings and bringing people together. Her passion was her garden, her loves were her family and friends, her devotion was to Heavenly Father. Donna and Dic decided to retire closer to family and moved to Salem in 2007. Although they left behind many good friends in Portland, they easily made new ones at Capital Manor and Eola Hills Ward. She cherished visits especially in recent years after Dic passed away. Donna had a special affection for her sweet little friend Lucy Moore and her family. Donna is survived by her sister, Audrey of Grand Junction, CO; her daughters, Dian (Jack) Pugh of Shedd, Denise (Alan) Murray and Debbie (Jim) Jensen of Salem. Her grandchildren are John (Kathy) and Casey (Amy) Pugh, Todd Murray, Amy Cartwright, Kavin Murray, Brian (Jaclyn) and Christine Jensen. Great-grandchildren include Layne Cartwright, Gianna and Jacoby Pugh, Cameron and Kaylan Jensen. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marilyn; brother, Terry; husband, Dic; and grandson, Scott Murray. The family appreciates the loving care and compassion given by the caregivers at Capital Manor and those involved with Willamette Valley Hospice. A military graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd, Portland, OR. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna\u0027s name may be made to the following organizations that she felt strongly about: Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, 10725 SW Barbur Blvd #50, Portland, OR 97219; Hope\u0027s Voice, 1201 NE 26th Suite 103, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33305; or Capital Manor Foundation, 1955 Salem Dallas Highway, Salem, OR 97304. Arrangements are being handled by Gable/Cremation \u0026amp; Burial Care of Oregon."",