| Janet Jensen Donna and Sam were \"grandparents\" to our children when we all lived in McMinnville, Oregon and our own families were far away. They participated in more than several family occasions with us, and were a significant support during times of trial. We remember and honor them both with gratitude and love. |
| Wes & Susan Green To the Gardner Family; We send our love and admiration for Donna. She has always been a ray of sunshine for all of us. Even though Sam & Donna moved from McMinnville, Or many years ago, they have remained close to our hearts. When we think back over the years and remember all the special things Donna has done for our family, we realize what a unique woman who taught us Christ like love & service. We will always be grateful for her example & love. We wish you the comfort of loving memories & the feeling that you'll always be connected to one so close to your hearts. Love The Green Families |
| Nolan & Dawny Aders Donna & Sam were such a big influence for good for us and our children. Donna shared many special times with me (Dawny); enjoying YW w/ her, learning her special recipes, doing her hair, cutting Sam's hair for the 1st time as it grew back from chemo. Sam (while in his wheelchair)was lifted up on the stage by all his scouts to conduct my oldest son(Cory), Eagle Scout ceremony. The world was a better place because of these 2 exceptional people! All our love & admiration, Nolan & Dawny Aders, Ogden,UT |
| John Mason Donna is my "2nd Mother". She always showered me with unconditional love. Even though my twin brother and I were often naughty she never spoke a cross word to us. When we were about 3, we locked the bathroom door and filled the tub until the water poured onto the floor. Our baby sitter could not persuade us to open the door. In frustration she told us our Mom had just come home, we still did not open the door. Then she said our Dad had just arrived, but we continued to enjoy the flood. Finally in desperation she remember we were both were very fond of Donna so said Donna was there to see us. We were very excited to see Donna so immediately opened the door. This is how it always was as Donna had a special place in our hearts. Donna always handled life's terrible setbacks with grace and humor. She showed so much dignity when Debbie passed away and was so classy when her grandchildren died. Her hearty laugh could brighten the gloomiest room. She enjoyed humor and willingly shared with others. My parents Esther and Wilton were best friends with Donna and Sam. I know they are all very excited to again be in her company. I however am sad to see her pass. John Mason Oregon City, Oregon |
| James Mason Nearly impossible to overstate what good people Donna and Sam are. Donna was like a second mother to me and she was always so much fun to be around. Both Donna and Sam were a fabulous example of goodness. Their marriage was the best one that I have ever witnessed. I can only imagine how great a reception she received from Sam, Debbie, her parents, siblings and grandchildren. |
| Jamie Jarvis Dear Gardner family- Oh how I love Donna and Sam Gardner! They came into my life when I was 16 (1982) when I started dating Burnell and Pearl Jarvis\' son, LaMont (Who became my husband). Sam was always so complimentary and sweet to me. Sam was the Jarvis family\'s faithful home teacher for many years. Donna was such a grood friend to Pearl and I loved to see their sweet friendship. Sam and Donna together were some of my greatest examples of how to treat your spouse and how to treat others. After Sam\'s cancer treatments in 1985, my wedding reception was the first thing I saw him walk into post treatment instead of being in a wheelchair. I was so hapy to see him and Donna that I cried. He apoligized for his hair being too long. He told me that he lost his hair during the treatments and was so proud that when it grew back in, in grew in curly. Donna had told him to get a haircut for our reception, but he wanted to show off his curls. In 1993 after my mother in law, Pearl, died, I decided to go to the funeral home to dress her for burial. Even though I am a nuse, I was a bit nervous about it. I shared my apprehension with Janet Jensen, Donna and my mutual friend. Janet told me about when Donna was Relief Society president and she would go and help dress the bodies in their temple clothes for the funeral. Donna talked about, and to, the person who had died while completing the task. Donna considered it an honor and spritual experience to do this last act of kindness for her sisters in the gospel. Knowing that was her attitude about doing this service, helped me when I went to dress Pearl. About 1996 after a series of false miscommunications about her friend Jeanie being engaged, Donna asked her friend, Jeanie Mason, if Donna\'s widow friend, Burnie Jarvis could call Jeanie. Jeanie said he could call if he wanted, however, Jeanie had no intention of marrying again. Well, after multiple weekends of Burnie driving up from Medford to court Jeanie, they did marry. So Donna is responsible for us having the privlege of having Groovy Grandma Jeanie love us and enrich our lives. Even though Sam and Donna have been gone from McMinnville for many years, my love for them and fond memories are still very strong. I loved to hear them laugh. I loved their genuine hugs. I think they are some of the best examples of being Christ-like that I have ever met. They touched my life for good. With love from Jamie Jarvis |
