DONNA RICH

Donna Rich passed away on April 23, 2012 in Dallas, TX. Donna was born on January 10, 1930 in Port Huron, Michigan. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home. Her family and friends were surprised and saddened by the sudden loss of this strong, generous, caring, humorous, charismatic and much loved mother, grandmother and friend.

Donna grew up in Port Huron, Michigan with her three brothers and one sister. She enjoyed successful years in diverse careers including secretary, book keeper, store owner, salesperson, property manager and tax preparer in Michigan, California and Idaho. But her favorite and best role was that of loving mother and grandmother.

In 1971, Donna and her husband, Brett, moved their family to Malad, ID. Donna deeply enjoyed more than 30 years in Malad, where she was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and social activities such as bowling and playing bridge. In Malad, she fostered lifelong friendships with many wonderful people.

Donna had a sharp sense of humor and could make anyone laugh. She loved spending time completing crossword puzzles and playing games , especially Bingo, Sudoku and Mahjong, reading books and magazines, talking with her family and friends, beating her sons at poker, caring for animals (especially the squirrels and birds she fed on her patio each day in Dallas), nurturing plants, playing billiards, sharing her sweets and candies, watching “Wheel of Fortune”, enjoying her Diet Pepsi and winning at the slot machines or horse races. Donna enjoyed traveling to Michigan, California and Texas to visit family and friends and was always up for a trip south of the border to Mexico.

With an empty nest and a desire to be closer to family, Donna and Brett moved to Dallas, TX in 2002. In Dallas, she enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the day to day life of some of her grandchildren and also had frequent visits with all of her children, including multi-generational family gatherings at Thanksgiving each year.

Her family and friends will dearly miss Donna’s deep laugh and witty comments, her endearing support, her caring heart and, most importantly, her unconditional love. Donna’s family was blessed with many happy ,healthy and memorable years with a truly wonderful woman.

Donna is preceded indeath by her parents, her siblings and her husband of 42 years, Brett Rich. Donna is survived by her daughter, Diane Marie Adaldo of Lansing, Michigan, son Davis Michael Adado of Zphryr Hills, FL; son, Richard Laurie (Kimberly) Mertz, Jr. of Pflugerville, TX; son, James Brett Rich of Glen Carbon, Illinois; son Jason Alexander (Kimberly) Rich of Dallas, TX; daughter Lynda Kay Jones of Laguna Nigel, CA; ten grandchildren, Nicole Dee (Troy) Hoose, Lisa Jeanine Mertz, Michael Cameron Mertz, Lauren Marie Mertz, Elizabeth Renee Rich, Caroline Ann Rich, Andrew Brett Rich, Benjamin Paul Rich, Tara Lynn Jones and Shirlee Kay Jones, and one great granddaughter, Kylie Lee Hoose.

A memorial service will be held May 5, 2012 at the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, TX.