Donna Clair Crooke
Published 2:03 pm Monday, July 21, 2014
- Donna Clair Crooke
Donna Clair Crooke, a longtime resident of Pendleton, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2014, at her home. She was 83 years old.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2014, at Salvation Army Church in Pendleton. A potluck luncheon will follow the service; friends are invited to bring a dish to share. Donna was a first and second mom to many people. She will be greatly missed. Sign the condolence book at www.burnsmortuary.com. Burns Mortuary of Pendleton handled arrangements.
Donna was born October 16, 1930, in Baker City, Oregon, to Pete and Clair McGovern. She was raised in Baker and Union, where she attended schooling. She worked in hospitals from the age of ten to fifteen, until she married her husband Bill Crooke. The couple was married in Baker in 1947. She came to Pendleton in 1953. She helped to start a couple of churches and the Pendleton Christian Academy.
Donna was an entrepreneur. She provided foster care for children in her home for 20 years. In that time she cared for of hundreds of foster kids whom she treated like family, making a lasting impact in their lives. She then became a CNA and provided care for the elderly for more than 20 years. In her time she had cared for hundreds of elderly people. She also started adult foster homes to give elders great care and a place that felt like family. Donna spent almost her entire life caring for others. She had a big heart and was helping others constantly. She was a member of the Salvation Army Church where she volunteered with many church activities. She was a member of the Good News Club. She also enjoyed going to movies with her son Rosco and spending time with her boyfriend Joe Baker.
Donna is survived by her sons Rosco Crooke and Joey Crooke; grandchildren Shannon Carrico, Craig and Kathleta Rodriguez, Yvonne and Matt Mascarenas, Pete Crooke and Ella Rodriguez; great-grandchildren Lashay, Daniel and Anthony Rodriguez, Matthew Mascarenas and Samantha Soliz; two great-great-grandchildren; her church family and her many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Norman Myers and Ford Bonham; her husband Bill Crooke; daughter Kathleen Crooke; son Anthony Crooke; and grandson Jack Crooke.