Donna Mae (Kersey) Harris

Donna was born on October 20, 1930 to Rod Kersey and Pearl Meranda Kersey,
in Portland, Oregon. She and her brother, Raymond, were raised by their
grandparents on a farm in Newburg, Oregon.
Donna attended various schools in the Portland area until her senior year when
she moved to Union, Oregon to live with her mother. There she attended and
graduated from high school in May, 1948. During her senior year, she met a
dashing young sailor, Bud Harris, fresh out of the Navy and returning from World
War II. After a very short courtship, they were married in April, 1948, just a
month before her high school graduation. They were married for 61 years.
They resided in LaGrande, Oregon where their first child, Sheryl, was born. A
couple of years later they moved to Burns, Oregon, where Bud was employed at
the Edward Hines Lumber Company. While in Burns, 3 more children were born:
Steven, David and Jill.
Donna was a stay at home mom until the last child, Jill, started elementary
school. She then went to work for the Burns/Hines School District in an
administrative capacity until her retirement in spring of 1989.
Donna was a very active golfer, bowler, swimmer, and card player, especially
Bridge. She was an outstanding seamstress busy making clothes for her
children. She and Bud enjoyed many trips, cruises and golf outings with her
brother Ray and their many friends.
In 2002, Donna and Bud moved to Boise, Idaho to be close to both their
daughters and grandchildren. Donna was an active member of Sacred Heart
Catholic Church and continued to golf and play Bridge as long as she was able.
Donna was preceded in death by husband Bud, her father and mother, brother
Ray, son David, grandson Tony and son-in-law Alan. She is survived by
daughters Sheryl Vaterlaus and Jill (Doug) Harrie, both of Boise, Idaho. Son,
Steven Harris, Eugene, Oregon and Daughter-in-law Paula Harris, Waldport,
Oregon. Five grandchildren: Robbie (Jessica) Harris Redmond, Oregon,
Lindsey (Kevin) Sapien, and Alyson (Casey) Tillman both of Boise, Id., Sheryl
Marie Harris, Dustin Harris both of Eugene, Oregon. Six great grandchildren:
Sebastian and Jeremiah Harris, Kyden and Saylor Tillman, Cooper Sapien and
Alexis Harris-Seghetti. One great great grandson: Charlie.
Donna will be buried in Burns, Oregon beside her husband, Bud.
The family would like to thank Ashley Manor and Auburn Crest Hospice Nursing
staff for their compassion and caring manner in which they assisted our mother
and our family.
Contributions in lieu of flowers
can be made to:
Burns Food Bank in Burns, Oregon
Sacred Heart Catholic Schools Foundation in Boise, Idaho
St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry in Boise, Idaho

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Mae (Kersey) Harris, please visit our floral store.