Donna Jean Blake

Donna Jean Blake, 85, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Born April 7, 1941, in Portland, Oregon, to Talbert and Bonnie Ryerse, Donna was raised in Portland and attended Russelville Grade School and David Douglas High School, graduating with honors in 1959. She lived in Damascus, Oregon, and her life was marked by a steady, thoughtful faith, a kind-hearted way of loving others, and a grateful happiness that endured through every season.

Donna and Phil would tell you their lives began with a meeting at the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store at 122nd and Glisan, where Phil worked—as did Bonnie, Donna’s terrific mom. Phil was smitten from the first moment; Donna, unimpressed and thinking he was a bit forward, still shared her phone number, and what many assumed was puppy love became the real thing. They married when Donna was 17 on June 15, 1958, and their marriage—centered on God—was blessed with 68 years of love as of June 15th of this year.

Together they welcomed five sons: Jeffrey Allen (born July 31, 1960), Brook Scott (born June 28, 1961), Brian Eugene (born May 11, 1963), Phillip John (born November 20, 1967, in Eugene, Oregon), and Bradford Louis (born February 5, 1974, in Downers Grove, Illinois). Their family’s path included moves shaped by work and calling—first to Eugene when Phil’s career required it, then back to Portland, and later to serve with Tyndale House in Wheaton, Illinois, where Phil served as General Manager of the Living Bible Book Stores. In October 1976, they moved from their barely finished new home in Milwaukie to Woodridge, Illinois. Even while carrying her fifth baby, Donna met the upheaval with a positive, thankful spirit, trusting fully that God had called them to serve there. When the early 80’s recession changed what was possible, Dr. Taylor graciously helped bring the family back to Oregon.

Back home, Phil built houses and Donna’s steady hands and careful eye helped bring them to life—choosing plans and finishes, appliances and cabinets, colors and flooring, shaping each home with care and consideration for the people who would live there. She was a major reason Blake Construction was successful, doing the work with quiet competence and a servant’s heart.

Donna became a member of Damascus Community Church and attended for over 50 years. She served as a teacher, nursery worker, and as Kitchen Director for 15 years—work carried out not for recognition, but from a joyful desire to serve God and others. She also gave her time as a Cub Scout Den Mother and in many other ways, always offering warmth, steadiness, and a gentle sense of purpose.

Her everyday joys were simple and rich: sewing, cooking, camping, hunting, and—most of all—being a grandmother and great grandmother. She doted on her 11 grandchildren: Jessica, Hannah, Ashley, Jacob, Haley, Taylor, Rachel, Colton, Bella, Mia, and Skyler; and her 6 great grandchildren: Van, Rylee, Alice, Hudson, McKenna, and Abby Jean. With loving intention, she made certain to introduce each of them to Jesus and to help them understand why they needed Him in their lives—instrumental in leading them to a true belief and saving knowledge of our Savior.

Donna was preceded in death by her father Talbert, her mother Bonnie, her sister Ilena, and her brother Randall. She was also preceded in death by her son Brian, born May 11, 1963, who passed away April 28, 2023.

Our beloved Grammy had no fear of death and knew without a doubt that the moment she took her last breath she would be in the presence of her Lord Jesus. God was gracious and gentle—she had no pain—and she was not alone. She peacefully slipped away to glory. Rejoice: we have not lost her; we know exactly where she is, and we are convinced we will see her again someday. She will be so delighted to see you on that day.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on September 19, 2026, at Damascus Community Church, 14251 SE Rust Way #8291, Damascus, OR 97089.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Military Encouragement Network (AMEN), PO Box 1923, Clackamas, Oregon 97015, US—an organization close to Donna’s heart and connected to the work her husband Phil continues, providing food and other support to military families in the North West.