Obituary of Donna Arp

Arp, Donna B. (79) peacefully entered into rest with The Lord June 9, 2011 surrounded by family singing her favorite hymns. She was born May 20, 1932 to Don B. Freed and Sara Jane Lozier in a Log Cabin built from railroad ties in Perrysville, OH. Donna was raised by her maternal grandmother, two uncles and their wives on a farm in Perrysville following the death of her mother when she was six years old. She learned all the skills of a traditional homemaker; she learned to garden, cook and bake, can, make preserves, sew, crotchet, make butter, gather eggs and many other tasks common to simple farm life. This knowledge later became invaluable when raising her young family in an isolated mountain roadhouse. She did indeed walk a mile to school, both ways, in all kinds of weather, but she was rarely alone. Her cousin Esther, one year her senior, was right by her side. They provided each other with companionship and two part harmony whether they were walking to school or completing their chores. In 1950, Donna graduated from Perrysville High School and married Emery Dale Guinn. She made her first home with her in-laws where she assisted with the care of her ailing father-in-law. Her own family began with the birth of Patricia Ellen, followed by Barbara Susan, Sandra Jane and Jo Ann. Donna relocated to Alaska with her family in 1958. One of the most memorable locations was a remote site known as, "The Little Susitna Lodge/Roadhouse". Initially, there was no running water, no electricity, and no glass for the windows and no phone. What she did have was a nearby river, a gas generator, plastic covering the windows and a CB radio. She perfected home made jam made from local berries and fresh bread baked in a coffee can. Most inconveniences were made more than bearable because of the great beauty surrounding that mountain home. Following the "Little Su" adventure Donna and Dale moved down off the mountain to begin fulfilling their dream of building a log home. It was a family affair. Logs were selected, bark was peeled by hand, trees were cleared, the foundation was set and slowly the dream became a reality. In 1980, following severe winters and retirement a move "down south" was made to yet another farmhouse. Donna was once again able to have a large garden, make homemade preserves, take an occasional fishing trip and generally settle into a peaceful farm life. Wherever Donna landed, she made it a home. Dale passed in 1986 and three years later Donna met and married Norman T. Arp. She began the second chapter of a very full and rich life. Donna and Norm traveled throughout numerous states and saw many beautiful country sides. Donna even became a world traveler when they vacationed in Scotland. Traveling and site seeing were a thrill for her, but she was also happy just to be at home working in her flower beds, watching the birds and visiting a yard sale or two! Donna and Norm were blessed with 21 years of love and companionship. She was a member of the Ritzville Seventh-day Adventist Church. Donna is survived by her spouse Norman Arp; daughters Patricia (Pat) McMurren, Barbara (Dave) Pomicter, Sandra (Bob) Bowman, Jo Ann (Ron) Miller; Mary Ellen Gonzales, Chris (Laura) Arp, Valerie (Mat) Ocampo, Michelle Kramer, Sandi Hutchison, Kevin Arp; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first spouse, her brother Harvey Lozier and sister Annabell Lozier. Visitation will be held Tuesday June 14 from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon at Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville with Funeral Services following at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.danekasfuneralhome.org