Donna Mae Kimball

Life was just one big university for Donna Mae Kimball, who soaked up so much knowledge from the world around her, she had to become a teacher herself.

Born in 1944 in Denver, Colorado, Donna was the first child of Donald and Alice Gruber. When six siblings (Ann, Jim, Mary Ann, Janet, Judi and Ginger) followed her into the world, she warmly welcomed each one, helping them find their way since she always had a head start. She would live the rest of her life just as generously, sharing everything her curious spirit discovered and caring deeply for everyone close to her.

Her first teaching position in the Philippines let her learn a new culture while she was sharing her own. She also taught in Germany, delighting in yet another culture before returning home to teach elementary school.

Donna had a soft spot for behaviorally challenged children. Instead of judging or dismissing them, she patiently listened, learning everything she could to help them thrive. She held her students’ attention with humor and passion, especially when she taught about dinosaurs, her favorite subject. She also believed in rewarding growth and hard work with ice-cream field trips to Hungry Harry’s, rare moments remembered for years to come.

The world and her classroom had already given her advanced knowledge, but she made it official with a master’s in education.

Still, she kept expanding her knowledge outside the classroom, always learning from other cultures, people around her, and nature. Every year, she faithfully planted geraniums and portulaca. She knew Latin and shorthand, loved her routines, and found joy in simple pleasures. Aviation in particular held her interest, since it revived her memory of her father, a Navy fighter pilot, and her only husband, an Army helicopter pilot.

An avid reader and cinephile, she found joy in stories on both page and screen. As she had an open mind to everything in life, her taste in movies and literature spanned every genre. She particularly enjoyed studying the American West and documentaries, an endless source of stories about human history, animals, the earth and its oceans.

All the world was a stage for Donna, who adored live theater and Broadway musicals with family and friends. She would often burst out with numbers from The Music Man, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma, and Hair—but she loved singing along to Rod Stewart, James Taylor and John Denver, too—with a Diet Coke in one hand and Reese’s peanut butter cups in the other.

A born extrovert, she loved to fill rooms with laughter, chatter and her smile, especially at family gatherings. She would occasionally let loose a curse, her favorite substitute being « Dagnabbit! » Donna released that same exuberant spirit during Seahawks games, reveling in the suspense and the reward of a game well played.

Speaking of games, she was a formidable opponent, especially at Trivial Pursuit. If she drew the entertainment category, no one stood a chance.

Cooking was another form of self-expression. If she made you a pie, you knew she loved you after one bite. For herself, she enjoyed roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over beach campfires with loved ones at Rialto Beach.

A single mother of four (Stoney, Jennifer, Matthew and Katie), she raised her children with resilience, humor, and unwavering love. Proud of her ever-expanding family, she embraced her role as a beloved grandmother of ten (Jaden, Levi, Hunter, Micah, Madeline, Noah, Ethan, Leo, Julian, Avery and Haley)—and great-grandmother of two (Eli and Rae)! She was trusting to a fault, always seeing the best in people. With the ease of a saint, she forgave anyone who was struggling. If she was your friend, she was fiercely loyal to the end, relishing the highs by your side, holding your hand through the lows.

Her faith was central to her life. A devout Catholic and parishioner at St. Anne’s, she volunteered countless hours in Eucharistic ministry, preparing the weekly bulletin, for starters. If you were engaged or expecting a baby, out came her crochet needles for a special afghan. She also quietly served those in need at Forks Clothing Bank. Frugal and nonmaterialistic, she tirelessly gave her time and money to those who needed it most.

Kind, caring, loyal, and deeply compassionate, Donna Mae Kimball lived a joyful life of service, faith, and love. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as in the many lives she touched through her teachings and ministry.

A Funeral and Celebration of Life will be held on January 31, 2026 at 11am. All guests are invited to wear blue, Donna’s favorite color. The Funeral Mass will take place at St. Anne’s Catholic Church with a social and burial to follow. (511 5th Ave, Forks, WA 98331).

Additional gatherings will also be held in Denver and Grand Lake, CO in early April 2026.