Donnelda Hayes, 85

Donnelda M. “Donnie” Hayes, 85, passed away on March 24, 2012, in Coeur d’Alene, and was born on May 12, 1926 in W. Milltown, Mont., to Charles B. and Anna C. Johnson.

She is survived by her two daughters, Teresa J. Benner (Kevin) of Elk, Wash., and Donna M. Traver (Frank), of Rathdrum; brother, Clete Johnson (Beryl), of Stevensville, Mont.; 10 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Leonard P. Hayes, in 1991; children, Sandra L. Serna and Ronald H. Hayes, both in 1995; one sister and three brothers. She graduated from North Central High School, Spokane.

During World War II she worked as a welder in Swan Island, Ore., building ships for the war effort and that is where she met her husband, Leonard P. Hayes.

They moved to Wenatchee and later to Spokane. She was a homemaker. Donnie was a breast cancer survivor for more than 56 years.

Following her first “Race for the Cure” in 1999, she realized what a beacon of hope she was for all other survivors and those just starting their battle with breast cancer.

She was also known for giving out her “Guardian Angel Tokens” to all cancer survivors she would meet.

A special THANKS to all staff and residents at Generations Assisted Living and Wellness for their kind and loving support the last five months of Donnie’s life. She will forever be a HERO to many people whose life she touched.

A celebration of her life will be held later this summer.

Private inurnment will be at Greenwood Memorial Terrace, in Spokane, at 2 p.m. May 11, 2012. Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Koman, Coeur d’Alene “Race for the Cure” or GPAGNW, Greyhound Pets of America Greater Northwest at 16708 N. Rimrock Road, Hayden, ID, 83835. Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley, is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.thornhillvalley.com