Dona Marie Hinshaw

HAMILTON- Dona Marie Hinshaw 60, of Hamilton passed away on Christmas Eve at home with her loving family.  A victim of Pancreatic Cancer which she fought from March. She was born January 5, 1958 in Long Beach California as an only child to Don and Millie Oslie. Dona graduated from St. Joseph’s High in Long Beach in 1976 and worked in her family’s restaurant the Pasta Pot. Later she worked at Lloyd’s, another family restaurant.  It was there that she met her husband Phil Hinshaw who at the time was a long-haul truck driver.  Dona expressed a desire to learn to drive semi-trucks and eventually acquired her learners permit allowing her to drive on various trips with Phil.  She drove over 76,000 miles herself, in 20 states.  It was a wonderful adventure that over time resulted in her marrying Phil.

They sold the truck and settled in Auburn, Washington where they started their family and lived for 18 years.  In 2004 the family moved to the bitterroot valley and built a home on 10 acres south of Hamilton. Dona is survived by her husband Phillip and their three sons, Corey and his wife Amanda, Eric, and Scott.  All three boys graduated from UM and are currently living in Missoula.

Dona loved family, cooking, animals and children. Raising her family was her highest purpose. She also loved her job as a kindergarten para-professional where she could work with and help almost 100 kindergarteners each year.  She loved the outdoors, especially Glacier National Park and spent many days exploring the trails and lakes of Glacier.

Dona’s family is truly appreciative of what the whole bitterroot valley has done for them.  From the Corvallis school staff, neighbors and friends, to the wonderful care from the Marcus Daily Hospice staff, we the family will forever be grateful.

There will be a celebration of her life program on January 12th at 2 pm at the Corvallis High School Gym (the old one). This is to share all the happy stories of the impact this lady had on all our lives.

One of Dona’s wishes was for the upgrading of the Corvallis Elementary playground equipment and had requested that instead of any flowers that money could instead be donated to a playground equipment fund. Corvallis School, PO Box 700, Corvallis, MT 59828   Account 54 (playground equipment).

Condolences may be left for the family at www.daly-leachchapel.com

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