Sublimity
– Donna, 86, passed away surrounded by family. She was
born in Salem on November 7, 1934 to Dorsey and Aimee Gray.
Donna lived in Los Angeles and then moved to the
Marion/Jefferson area graduating Cascade High School in
1952. After receiving her associate’s degree from OSU, she
became a floral designer for Stayton Flowers for 40 years
and was a very artistic lady. In college she was in the
Delta-Zeta Sorority.
She married Thomas Tate in Kelso, WA on
June 24, 1955 and together they raised 4 children on the
family farm, where they lived for 65 years. Donna had a love
for gardening and this became her passion in life. She was a
member of the Capital Arrangers Guild, and served as judge
and chairman of the Willamette Christmas Green Show. Donna
was very involved in her community serving as a 4-H leader
teaching sewing, and being a member of the Union Hill
Women’s Club and Grange.
She
designed and hand made a popular line of cat themed
Christmas ornaments she sold online and at many handcraft
shows. She always kept her hands busy. Her other hobbies
included her love for crafting, quilting and antique
restoration.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents:
Dorsey and Aimee Gray; and her brother Warren Gray. She is
survived by her husband: Thomas of Sublimity; children:
David Tate of Sublimity; Diane Tate of Portland; Marylou
(Darren) Alderman of Salem; Susan (Mike) Basl of Stayton:
sister-in-law: Jan Gray of Silverton; her grandchildren:
Dana McNurlin, Logan Mallorie, Rebekah Mallorie, A.J. Benya
and Trevor Benya and great-grandchildren: Reed McNurlin and
Keira McNurlin.
Services will be held at a later date. In
lieu of flowers please donate to Willamette Valley Hospice
for their excellent care. Serving the family, North
Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
