Donna Rae Hill

Donna passed away peacefully at home on December 29 at age 94.

She was born to Russell Dial and Della (Woods) Dial October 22, 1927, in Palouse, Washington. Donna attended elementary school and high school in Palouse, after graduating she attended EWU.

In 1949 Donna married Herb Hill in Palouse, they spent the first 6 years of their marriage on the Hill Farm on James Creek, between Palouse and Colfax. They had two daughters, Christi and Nikki.

In 1955 they moved to the Hill Cattle Ranch on Charlie Creek, Emida Idaho. In 1967 they sold the ranch, bought a cabin at Rocky Point, and went into partnership with Bud and Sonja Harvey at Riverside Resort in St. Maries, Idaho. Herb and Donna enjoyed traveling to Mexico and Arizona for the winters.

Herb was killed in a work related accident in 1978, in Spokane, but Donna continued to go to Arizona for the winters.

In 1988 Donna met Ray Bruhn from Vergas, Minnesota. They spent the next 26 years sharing their love of traveling all over the U.S., Mexico, Tahiti, and Europe. In 2007 Donna moved to Montesano, Wa. to live with daughter Nikki, and be closer to family. Ray continued to travel to Washington yearly to spend time with Donna up until 2016. He passed away in 2018.

Donna is survived by her daughter Nikki Gibson (Mike); granddaughters Danelle Fernandez (Raul), Cody Benson Houck (Kerry), Aisha Madrone, Noni Benson Demmer (Ryan), Rachel Mcilvaine (Pat), Jolene Gibson Allenbaugh, and Jessica Gibson; 12 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, along with her long time caregiver, Cindy Carter, and the Carter Family.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Herb, daughter Christi, brothers Gale Dial, and Lathol Dial, Ray Bruhn.

A spring/early summer memorial will be planned at the Palouse Greenwood Cemetery at a later date, family and friends will be notified.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter or rescue.