Donna Joanna Barrett

Donna was born in Tacoma, Washington, March 3,1933 to Theodore and Nellie (Webb) Axtell. She completed the family being the youngest of four children. Her cherished brothers and sister were Theodore (Ted) Axtell, George Levi (Lee) Axtell, and Nellie Lu (Axtell) Brimhall.

She grew up in Steilacoom, Washington where at only 4 years old lost her father to death. With determination, hard work, and lots of love, her mother raised her four children alone. Her family lived in several places while trying to figure out how to live without their husband/father but were finally able to move into the log home their father almost single handed had built. Donna’s mother took in boarders, ironing, and cooked, to provide for the family.

Donna attended elementary school in Steilacoom, Washington. She went on to attend and graduate from Clover Park High School. She participated in Tennis and Basketball where she broke one leg in each sport. She had work babysitting, house cleaning, serving as a soda jerk, and working in all levels at the movie theater. Her mother provided the opportunity for piano lessons and taught her to sew, both skills she would use throughout her life. After graduation she worked for the Civil Service at Fort Lewis as a typist, a job she really enjoyed being the only female in a room full of men.

Donna started dating August (Gus) Barrett when he came to pick up his best friend, her brother Lee, to go out and do something. Lee was not available, so he invited her to go instead, and a love story began. They married May 24,1952 and enjoyed 67 years of togetherness. Gus passed away the following November 2019. She gave birth to 6 children (5 living) and was a dedicated wife and mother.

She was involved in her community serving in the PTA, Cub Scouts, and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed camping and willingly went even though her babies were in cloth diapers. She would go out on the beaches with shovel in hand, and along with her husband, would dig for clams. They would also collect oysters from the beaches which Gus especially loved when she would fry them up back at the trailer. Occasionally Donna and her sister Nellie Lu would pile all their children into the station wagon with trailer behind, and camp on their own. Life was an adventure.

Donna and Gus enjoyed round and square dancing. She would use her sewing skills and make her and Gus matching outfits, sewing what seemed miles of fabric into slips and skirts. She sewed a lot! She made matching outfits for her children, curtains for her home, cheer and drill team outfits, prom dresses, and doll clothes. She upholstered furniture, and knitted beautiful sweaters and afkans, knitting or crocheting one for each of her 34 grandchildren, and several for her great grandchildren.

She loved decorating her home, enjoying the results of painting and wall papering. Her family was often surprised to find the furniture rearranged when they came home from work or school. She also enjoyed playing the piano and organ. As her children grew into teenagers, she was often found at the piano with a group singing around her. She accompanied many, including her grandchildren, as they performed in talent shows or church services.

She had fun bowling, and was in a couples league with her husband, and in a ladies league with some of her good friends.

Donna and her sister and sisters in law really enjoyed their hen parties. They would get together with their friends and have a blast visiting in each of their homes with no children.

She was very thrifty and could really make a dollar stretch. She was very creative in the kitchen, and much to her husband’s dismay, was often trying new dishes to see what her family might enjoy. Cooking was not her favorite pastime, but she was a good cook. Many neighbors and friends benefited from her delicious baked goods.

She loved Heavenly Father and Jesus and tried hard to be a good Christian. She taught her children to pray and set a great example of love and service.

Gus and Donna lived in many places in their marriage including Parkland, Tacoma, Selah, Graham, Spanaway, Puyallup, Coupville, and Oak Harbor, all in Washington State. Donna cherished her dear friends in each place and had many pictures and treasured gifts to remind her of them.

Donna is survived by her children, Debbie (Chuck) Caruthers, Dan Barrett, Connie (Mark) Soptich, Carrie (Lee) Soptich, and Tammie (Loren) Bonsen, 34 grandchildren, over 70 great grandchildren, and several special nieces and nephews.