Donna went to heaven on Saturday, July 1, at Intermountain Hospital in Salt Lake City. Donna was 77 years old, and her family was by her side. God blessed her with an active and joyful life.
Donna was born to Louise and Frank Campbell in Houston, Texas. She had a younger brother, Wayne, and sister, Sherry.
Donna graduated from Smilie High School in Houston and attended the University of Houston. She started her work career with Southwestern Bell in 1965 and retired after 20 years of service in 1985 to move to Wyoming.
Donna was an avid Houston sports fan and while working for SWB, she also worked at the Houston Astrodome from its opening in 1965 until 1971. Her favorite teams were the Houston Astros, Houston Oilers, Houston Rockets and the University Houston Cougars.
Donna married Dennis Oden on July 16, 1971, in Houston, Texas, and they were joyfully married for 52 years. On March 13, 1975, she gave birth to son, Howard Oden. Donna was a very devoted mother and involved with her son’s education and outside activities. She was the team mom when Howard played baseball making sure the ball players got to out-of-town games.
In 1985, Donna and her family moved to Kemmerer. She was the athletic department secretary for 16 years, from 1995 to 2011, when she retired. Donna loved being around the kids and teachers. She organized all the athletic events at Kemmerer High School.
Donna and her husband spent several years taking their trailer to Yellowstone National Park to study and observe bears in the park and the surrounding national forest. They conducted bear classes at Kemmerer Elementary School prior to students going on their Expedition Yellowstone trips. They spent several years in Yellowstone National Park researching the early history of the hotels in Yellowstone.
Donna was a fabulous cook and enjoyed exchanging recipes and trying new dishes on her husband and friends.
Donna was a very devoted wife and companion. Her son, Howard, married a wonderful young lady, Jessica, whom Donna referred to as “her daughter.” She has three granddaughters, Madelynn, Katelynn and Delaney, whom she loved dearly and spoiled each one at every opportunity.
Words can’t express the love Donna had for her family and friends. Donna will be greatly missed but she is with her Heavenly Father, and we’ll see her again someday.
In lieu of flowers, hug and kiss your dpouse and loved ones, for you don’t know how long you will have the opportunity to show how much you love them.
