Donna Marilyn Stegman, age 78, passed away on September 11th, 2021 at St Charles Medical Center in Bend. She was born December 22nd, 1942 in Vancouver Washington to Dee & Millicent Dunkin. She was the oldest of 6 Children. She was later joined by brothers, Ronald D. Dunkin, Edward D. Dunkin, Douglas A. Dunkin, Richard E. Dunkin and a sister, Janet I. Dunkin.
Donna attended Columbia Adventist Academy and graduated in 1959. After school, she worked for quite some time at Purdy Brush Co. in Portland.
Donna met Martin Stegman and married June 26th, 1964. Donna was blessed with 2 Stepdaughters, Cheryl Stegman and Gwen Stegman and they all called Portland Oregon home. Almost four years later they added to the family. They welcomed their first baby boy in March 1968, Stacy Andrew Stegman. A short time later in December of 1970, they welcomed another baby boy, Spencer Martin Stegman.
Martin and Donna packed up the family and moved to Prineville in 1978. Prineville is where she called home. Donna worked at the mill, American Forest Products while raising a family and doing all the things she loved. Both Stacy and Spencer married and had children, and stayed in Prineville. So, after retirement, Donna was able to enjoy time with her grandchildren, and later her great grandchildren.
However, retirement proved to not be Donna’s thing. She decided to go back to work being a medical cab driver. Donna absolutely enjoyed her time doing this. She made new friends, was able to visit, as well as help other in a time of need. You could often see her zooming around in her Prius, hauling patients back and forth to Bend and Redmond. A smile on her face the whole way!
Donna lived each day with that smile on her face. She was known for; her love of animals, making others laugh, maybe a little of her sarcasm, as well as her desire to help others, just to name a few. From the very beginning Donna’s love of animals was obvious, rather it be her goats, horses, chickens, cats or dogs. Often, she would share stories about her days of riding, breeding Dachshunds, or one the best stories being about scaring her brother Ron by throwing a firecracker in the barn while he was milking the cows. Donna always enjoyed a good laugh!
She also enjoyed the outdoors. Hunting, camping and fishing with family. She would light up when she’d speak about camping at Sugar Creek, hunting the Ochocos, fishing at Sherars Falls or taking her “girls” swimming. Family was everything to Donna. If she wasn’t enjoying animals, or the outdoors, she was at the races watching the “boys”. From dirt track to the demolition derby, she was there cheering them on. She was especially proud to talk about the later days when her granddaughters were also out there, showing them boys how it was done!
Donna also decided she had a desire to ride “quads” after her Sister-in-law Cherri got an ATV. Donna loved loading up her ATV and hooking onto her RV to head to the dunes each year with her brother Ed and wife Cherri. Donna enjoyed going to the beach long before she discovered the dunes. However, she couldn’t go as often as she would have liked, so she brought the beach home. You could always enjoy her beach décor when visiting Donna at her home.
Donna has survived by her younger brothers; Ron & wife Kathy, Ed & wife Cherri, Doug, and Rick, as well as her younger sister Jan. Her 2 sons; Stacy & wife Kayla, Spencer & wife Jeanna. Two Stepdaughters Cheryl Coffelt and Gwendolyn Stegman. Grandchildren; Tamra Stegman, Tailyn Stegman Garcia & husband Derick, Tosha Edgerly & husband Chance, Kersey Ferrando and husband Grey, Jari Stegman,Jacquilyn Duncan and husband Jon, Ilissa Bobst and husband Steven, and Gian Stegman. As well as 10 great-grandchildren.
Donna was Preceded in Death by; Grandma and Grandpa Dunkin, Grandma and Grandpa Wilcox, her Mother Millicent in 2003, her Father Dee in 1988, and her Husband Martin in 2013.
Donna was many things, to many people. She was well known by many in the community. Her spark, her personality and her love for life will be greatly missed. Please join the family for a celebration of life on October 3rd, at 12:00 P.M. at Harwood Park in Prineville. Any cards or flowers can be sent to 234 NW 9th St in Prineville, 97754
Whispering Pines Funeral Home is honored to assist the family. 3168 NE 3rd Street - Prineville, Oregon 97754 (541) 416-9733
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