Donna LaVerne Cook Schreckengast, Okanogan, passed away Dec. 7, 2012 at home surrounded by her loving family.
     Donna was born May 7, 1931 in Omak to Vern and Bertha Cook. She was the eldest of five children. Her first two years of schooling were at the Lemanasky School in upper Pine Creek. For grade one she boarded with the teacher, Mrs. Lottie Gray, and for grade two she lived with Frank and Laura Wingo and walked several miles to school daily. Both experiences left a lasting impression on her. From the third through the twelfth grades she attended Tonasket School, graduating in 1949. Donna’s class of 1949 was the first class to graduate in the brand new school gymnasium.
     From June 1949 to June 1951 Donna worked as a telephone switchboard operator at the Okanogan office of Pacific Northwest Bell. In February, 1951, Donna married Wilford Schreckengast. The next six years, since Wilford was in the Navy, they lived in California, Oregon and Washington.
     Donna was employed in various occupations over the years, including: childcare, apple packing, receptionist, retail clerk, and a painting instructor.
     Her pleasures included tole and decorative painting (since 1975 she was a member of the National Society of Tole & Decorative Painters). She enjoyed sewing, that included quilting; needlework that included silk ribbon embroidery, crew embroidery and cross stitch; as well as other fine arts and crafts. She delighted in camping, fishing and time spent with her family.
     Donna is survived by her husband, Wilford, and her four children: Karen Elayne (Gerald) Lofthouse, Illinois; Randall Wayne (Helene) Schreckengast, California; Terrance Neil (Jill) Schreckengast, Washington; and Larry Wood (Darla) Schreckengast, Washington. She had 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are sisters, Esther Caton and Louise Weller; and brother, Ed Cook, all of Washington. She also is survived by her mother's sister, 97 year-old Ella. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Bertha Cook; her brother, Frank Cook; and infant granddaughter, April Schreckengast.
     She was a warm, loving soul, who is missed not only by the family she nurtured but by her many friends and acquaintances as well.
     The family requests that donations be made to the cancer foundation of your choice.