Donna Jean Marley

Donna was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The third child born to Gordon Murray, and Pat Thelin.

Donna spent her first fourteen years growing up in North Hollywood, Cal, but spent her High School years in Bothell, Wash.

Donna graduated early from Juanita High School, Kirkland, Washington. She attended BYU for her freshman year at college, but suspended her college to work with her mother at a large day care in Bountiful, Ut.

The family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada for a job opportunity and that is where she met and married Douglas Marley, an airman in the Air Force. They were married in the LDS Salt Lake Temple, SLC, UT. On May 31st, 1980.

Donna’s work ethics, tenacity, and intelligence made her excel at everything she did. Whether it was babysitting as a youth, where parents and children loved her, or working at the bank. When she was hired at Nevada State Bank’s main downtown branch. She was only 20yrs old and was hired at the lowest position. Over the next four months she learned every job in this very large branch by helping them after she finished her own responsibilities. Corporate noticed, and created a new position for her as Auditor. The VP told her she was the first person they found capable and trustworthy enough to fill the position.

Donna’s new family moved several times over the 8 years they were in the Air Force. From Las Vegas to Idaho, to Mississippi, and Oklahoma. After the Air Force they settled in to raise a family on Camano Is, WA.

Donna loved little kids and after the first three children, when she found she couldn’t have any more naturally, she turned to adoption. First a baby girl from India, but thereafter seven more children who came through the foster care program.

Donna loved adventure and the outdoors, and whenever Doug could get an extra day off with a weekend, you would find them camping or sailing. If he didn’t get an extra day off, they would take day hikes to water falls, visit Seattle Science Center, the Aquarium or take Ferry rides through the San Juans. Saturday‘s were for adventure, period.

Donna served in many church callings. Mostly with younger kids but also enjoyed working in the youth programs for young women and Boy Scouts. She also served in the adult ladie’s organization. In each of these responsibilities she excelled, not only because she was bright and determined, but because she sought the Lord’s guidance in earnest.

At the age of 44 she started feeling more serious effects of a benign tumor on her Pituitary. Her health began to spiral down. Her life became consumed with trying to stay alive. Because of her abilities and closeness with God she survived 16 years beyond the average of 5 yrs, for someone with her condition. Like a juggler on a tightrope, eventually there were just too many balls to keep in the air.

Donna is survived by her husband, R. Douglas Marley. Her children: Larissa Herrboldt (Mike), Cameron Marley (Nicole), Amber Ames (Sam), Mathew Marley, David Marley, James Danner, Heidi Berube (Shaine), Marina Mills (Elijah), Benjamin Marley and Katrina Marley. SIBLINGS: Steve Thelin (Ki’i), Bonnie Smith (Sam), Mike Thelin (Sheri), Gordon Thelin (Jan), Suzan Welch (Chuck), numerous grandchildren, aunts, uncles and in laws.

Donna is preceded in death by her Father Murray Thelin, Mother, Patricia Thelin, Brother Victor Vig Thelin, Daughter Sara Jean, Granddaughter, Celest Herrboldt.

A funeral will be held on May 30th, 2025 at 10:00AM, in the LDS Church at 787 E Kortsen Rd, Casa Grande, AZ. You may come 30 minutes early to view memorabilia from her life.

A graveside service will also be held at the Springfield Idaho cemetery (805 S 1900W Springfield, Id) at 5pm on the 31st. (The 45th anniversary of her marriage)