Donna Jean Perkins

Born in Upland, California, Donna made Yucaipa her home for more than 50 years. She was a devoted Lutheran, a loving mother and grandmother, and a faithful friend whose kindness and enthusiasm touched everyone she met.

Donna earned her Associate of Arts degree from Chaffey Junior College in 1952 and spent most of her career in banking as an Assistant Vice President and Real Estate Loan Officer for the Bank of California in San Bernardino before continuing in mortgage banking. After retirement age, she enjoyed working part-time to stay active.

Donna embraced life with energy and adventure. She loved traveling, whether visiting Germany, Japan, Hawaii, or her favorite destination, Las Vegas. Her annual trips with friends from the bank became treasured traditions, and she never lost her enthusiasm for gathering family and friends for a casino outing.

One of Donna’s greatest passions was mentoring young women. She devoted many years to Job’s Daughters and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, serving as a Mother Advisor, Grand Deputy, and Chairperson for the Arts & Crafts competition at Grand Assembly for over 10 years. She remained active in Rainbow Girls for as long as her health allowed.

Above all, Donna cherished her family. She is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Perkins) Demmelmaier; Joy (Perkins) Dion and husband Jeff Dion; and Robin (Perkins) Rector and husband John Rector; grandchildren Pamela Demmelmaier, Cori Demmelmaier-Chang, Janine Dion, Laura Dion, Kyle Rector, and Randin Rector; and great-grandchildren Hailey Vernola, Rhyder West, Evan Chang, and Alex Chang.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, R.V. “Shorty” Perkins, Jr., in 2003; her daughter, Barie Perkins, in 2021; and her parents, Chris and Edrie Luthy.

Donna will be remembered for her generous heart, adventurous spirit, unwavering support of young people, and deep love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and cherished memories.