Dona Colley

1/31/1926 — 8/2/2016

• Service Date: 8/20/2016
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On Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016, we lost our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.

Dona Isabelle Harding was born Jan. 31, 1926, to Merwin and Genevieve Harding in Winchester. She was the oldest of five siblings, Merwin "Sonny" Harding Jr., Mary, Ann and Phyllis. Dona grew up on the family farm, fondly known as "The Ranch," in Nezperce. Dona completed her primary and secondary schooling, graduating from Nezperce High School. Higher education was always valued in the Harding household and because of this, Dona attended the University of Idaho and graduated with her degree in education.

On July 14, 1948, Dona married Ernest (Ernie) Kennedy. They had three children, Paul, Rick and Judy. Later they divorced. Dona continued to share her love of learning by teaching in the Nezperce School District, the town she loved. During this time she met and later married the love of her life, Jack Colley, on Aug. 23, 1969. They had a wonderful life together, and in retirement they moved to Clarkston.

Dona was an accomplished pianist. She volunteered many hours of playing for her church, multiple organizations and for leisure. She especially liked playing in the jazz bands including the Swing Set. Dona was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing with family and friends. There wasn't a game she wouldn't play and she was a fierce

competitor.

Dona was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, P.E.O. chapter BL, and a lifetime member of the Nezperce United Methodist Church. Dona will be remembered for her kind and gracious spirit, love of family and loyalty to her friends. She will be greatly missed.

Dona is survived by her son, Paul Kennedy (Janet) of Juneau, Alaska; and daughter Judy Anderson (Bret) of Walla Walla; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and her three sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Rick Kennedy; and great-grandson Richard Michael Kennedy; husband Jack; and brother Sonny.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love, prayers and support. A special thank you to the staff at Guardian Angel Homes and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. We are grateful for the care and compassion you gave to our beloved Dona.

Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 20 at the Nezperce Methodist Church, with graveside services to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Methodist Nezperce Church, P.O. Box 97, Nezperce, ID 83543.

Service Information

Date & Time

Saturday, August 20, 11:00 AM

Location

Nezperce United Methodist Church
Oak Street
Nezperce, Idaho 83543

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