Donna Louise Gaona

Donna Louise Gaona was born August 22, 1961, in Hillsboro, Oregon, to Ernest and Martha (Rogers) Reed. She grew up in the North Plains area, a very rural town outside of Hillsboro. Living out in the countryside, a love of the outdoors and all things country was instilled in her at a young age and would carry out through her whole life. Donna began dating Marcus Gaona in 1984, and the two fell in love and were married on January 23, 1988. They settled in the Salem area and raised two daughters together. Always a homebody, Donna enjoyed taking care of her home and family and raising her daughters. Although terribly afraid of heights, Donna had a fascination for aircraft and flying. She loved planes and helicopters and was able to get up the courage to go skydiving. She also enjoyed crocheting when she was not out in her garden. She had a strong faith and love for the Lord, taking great comfort in it during times of turmoil. Becoming a grandmother brought her great joy and she loved the time she spent with her grandson, Jadon. As Donna’s mental health began to unravel, she refused treatment and made the decision to find her own way in the world. She left the family she adored and set out on her own, making her way as a live-in caregiver. She went from home to home wherever she could find work with room and board. Eventually she ended up at the top of McCully mountain just outside Lyons, Oregon. On June 29, 2021, at the age of 59, Donna passed away at her home in Lyons. Donna was preceded in death by her dad and her brothers Michael Reed, Bobby Reed, and Ray Russell. She is survived by her mother Martha; her husband Marcus Gaona; her daughters Karen Timms and Janine (Erik) Baker; grandchildren Jadon and Audrey; and siblings Kathy Russell and Ricky Russell. Services are scheduled for Friday, August 20, 2021 at 6:00pm at Salem Heights Church: 375 Madrona Ave S, Salem, OR 97302. Following the service there will be dessert and refreshments and a time to share fond memories.