Donna Jean (Dillard) Finkenbinder

She was born to the late Donald and Francis Dillard on April 11th, 1962 in Medford, Oregon. She graduated from Butte Falls High School in 1979 and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Oregon University in 1985. For 20 years Donna dedicated her professional life to helping hundreds of families in Jackson and Klamath County as a social worker for the Oregon Department of Human Services. She made a profound impact on so many lives and will be remembered lovingly as a huge advocate for those in need.

Donna believed in and participated in recovery and was a firm believer that everyone deserves a second chance; in her mind, it was never too late to start life with a clean slate. In her later years, she gave her heart to God and was very involved with her congregation. Her comeback story is an inspiration to many, and she will be missed by hundreds.

Donna had the best laugh on the planet and could tell a story like no other. She loved nothing more than to sit and talk for hours with the ones she held dear. In addition, Donna had an exquisite voice and was not afraid to share it with others who just so happened to be present if a good tune popped on the stereo. Many of her loved ones had the distinct pleasure of sitting with her and singing to their heart’s content to some of her favorite artists like Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, and the Eagles.

Donna was a lover of all animals, but held a special place in her heart for cats, seals, and of course, the butterfly. She was an incredible woman with the most magnificent heart. She was a lover of life and everyone in it and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her only child Misty Finkenbinder and her two grandchildren Serena and Sahalie Hwang.