Donna peacefully passed away June 22, 2015 at the age of 89. She was born October 30, 1925 in Hubbard, Oregon. She was the only child of John and Agnes McKay.
She lived her entire life in St. Paul, Oregon with a brief stay in Portland where she worked for Lipman and Wolfe, Co. She attended St. Paul Parochial School and St. Paul High School where she was a cheerleader. She married William (Bill) M. Miller May 25, 1948 and they spent 65 wonderful years together before his passing October 25, 2013.
Donna was an avid horsewoman, gardener and outstanding artist. Her love of horses led her to a passion for Rodeo. She was a St. Paul Rodeo princess and queen prior to her marriage to Bill. She broke her own horses, hauled her own hay, and rode in the Pony Express and Cowgirl's races.
Her art career was unfortunately cut short in the 1950's when she was stricken with Polio and lost the use of her right hand, arm and shoulder. Through months of physical therapy and pain she maintained she would continue to do those things she loved most. She was small in stature but had an inner strength, combined with a loving heart and, most of all, that McKay stubbornness. She had a passion for outdoors and, with the Millers and McKays, spent many happy hours fishing, swimming, hunting, clamming and trap shooting and even acquired a passion for bowling. Yet, most of all she continued to ride her horses. All things she was told she would never do again.
Donna was a member of the St. Paul Altar Society, the National Catholic Society of Foresters, Newberg Bowling League and the St. Paul Rodeo Association. She is survived by her three children, Nancy Anderson (Bill), Neil Miller and Julie Hockett (Pat) as well as 7 grandchildren 5 great grandchildren.
Services will be at 11:00 am, Monday July 6, 2015 at St. Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul, Oregon with reception to follow. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to Legacy Hospice Services.
Arrangements by Simon-Cornwell Colonial Chapel