Donna Lee Scardina

Donna Lee Scardina (Riser), age 74 passed away peacefully December 21, 2015 at Abrazo Hospital Central Campus, in Phoenix, AZ surrounded by her loving family. Donna is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Retired, CMSGT (USAF)Ross A. Sr. , along with her daughter, Lee A. (Laurel) Scardina of Glendale, AZ, and son, Ross A. (Lori Ann) Scardina, Jr. of Surprise, AZ . Donna (also known as Omie to many) leaves behind four cherished grandchildren Ross A. Scardina III, Stephanie Davis, Kayleigh Becker, and Shawna Stringer; Sister-in- law Ginny Houghton; Brother-in-laws John (Joyce) Scardina, and James (Mary) Scardina; Nephews William E. Riser, and Jason, Joseph, Steven Scardina; Nieces Karin Lursky & Susan Schwarz.

Donna was born December 5, 1941 in South Bloomfield Ohio, eldest of three children to William and Harriet Riser. Surviving her is Sister Joyce Faye (Dan) Teal of Circleville, Ohio, and Brother William Riser of Marshfield, Missouri.

Donna Lee spent her formative years growing up in South Bloomfield, Circleville & Ashville, Ohio, working in the family restaurant, Riser's Drive-in, that later became Riser's Tavern on Route 23 South of Columbus, Ohio. Eventually married on Valentine's Day, Donna met her future husband, and Tavern drummer Ross, then stationed at Lockbourne AFB, when her father asked her to "select one of the guys from the band" to help bring chairs in from storage.

Working outside of the home, professionally Donna worked as a talented Pastry Chef and cake decorator. She also held roles as a Banquet Manager, and 5 Star Dining Room Manager at the Honolulu Waikiki Holiday Inn while her husband was stationed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii where she met her friend of 42 years, Karen Adams-Ray of Jamestown, New York who was also with her when she passed.

A cherished friend to many, Donna a resident of the West Valley for nearly 35 years, was active in the community and enjoyed supporting & organizing military and children's fundraiser events. She also participated in organizing weekly luncheons for a group of Luke Air Force Base Retirees (The Friday Lunch Bunch). As the pillar of the family, Donna Lee enjoyed eagerly participating in her children's lives by taking family vacations, RVing, boating, and fishing.