Donna Plum, 95

Our dear mother, Donna Plum, suddenly passed away Jan. 6, 2023, at the age of 95. Mom was born to Hazel and Wesley Morgan in Omak, Wash. She was the youngest of four children. Her family moved to Loon Lake, Wash., and then to Kellogg, Idaho, where she graduated high school. In 1947, she met Charles Plum, and they were married for 51 years after a whirlwind courtship. They soon moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and started their family of five children.

In 1966, they moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and purchased the Chevrolet dealership that became known as Plum Chevrolet, where she was the bookkeeper. Later, they moved back to Coeur d'Alene and she continued to work as a bookkeeper for European Imports and Parker Toyota. Mom was the constant caregiver for her mother and then eventually retired to care for Dad. Being housebound did not keep her down. She loved listening to her music, was an avid reader and a pro at crossword puzzles. She learned to oil paint and made and sold beautiful jewelry up until the very end, a great role model for all of us. 

After Dad passed away in 1999, she moved back to Bonners Ferry to be closer to her family. She loved the natural beauty of this area, had many friends, and was a well-loved member of the community. Once here, it didn't take her long to start a new job at the Boundary County Library where she worked for ten years. She often joked with then-director, Sandy Ashworth, that she was the “oldest living librarian in captivity” and she absolutely loved her job.

After retiring again, she continued her hobbies of reading, beading, and playing bridge whenever she could. As a strong, independent woman, she loved to travel. She also loved watching the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks, and Gonzaga Bulldogs and would dress in the appropriate fan attire while watching each game. She was a devoted catholic and member of St. Ann's Catholic Church. As part of the "Greatest Generation," Mom lived to nearly 96 years of age in her own home with help from her family and weekly caregiver and companion, June Dirks. Mom had a zest and love for life (and chocolates) and all the people around her. Her love lives on in all of us and we will forever keep her in our hearts.

Mom is survived by her four daughters Valerie Almy (Jim) Sagle, Idaho, Anita Foust (Tom) Bonners Ferry, Nancy Watts (Curtis) Issaquah, Wash., and Judy Wages (Theron) Bonners Ferry, 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, brother, husband and loving son, Jon Plum.

We would like to thank The Boundary County Emergency Services/Ambulance, Boundary Community Hospital, Dr. Newhouse, Dr. Botkin, Dr. DiBenedetto, CEO April Bennett and all the nurses and staff for their care for mom and support to us. The entire staff was wonderful, and we are very grateful for their loving care.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 6712 El Paso St. in Bonners Ferry. Memorial Donations in Mom’s name may be made to Second Chance Pet Rescue.