Donna Marie (Long) Henderson, 45

Donna Marie (Long) Henderson, 45, "went home to be with our heavenly Father" on Friday, Dec. 9, 2006, at her home in Whitefish.

Donna was born in Mountain Home, Idaho, to Tom and Agnes (Mattingly) Long.

She met Bill Henderson in 1986, they were married Nov. 21, 1987, in Livermore, Calif., and they came to Whitefish in 1990. Donna and her family are active members of Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish.

Besides spending a lot of time with her husband and daughters, Donna enjoyed fellowship at church, Bible studies, youth group, and choir. She also enjoyed being in her yard gardening and landscaping. Donna loved to go for long rides in the mountains, and riding along in the golf cart with her husband. She loved spending time with all of Sarah and Steph's friends, laughing, joking, and just having fun.

Donna's wit, charm, and love brought joy to all who knew her. She loved everyone she met. Donna was a wonderful mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. Her faith gave us all strength even in this time of mourning.

Donna was preceded in death by her father and mother.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Henderson, of 19 years of marriage; and two daughters, Sarah and Stephanie, at home with their father. She leaves behind her beloved dogs, Maggie, Tucker and Izzy.

Also surviving are her brothers and sisters, Margaret and Mike Foster of Helena, Agnes Rupert of Lincoln, Tommie Schleinger of Whitefish, Bobby and Kathy Long of Sunnyvale, Texas, and Andy Long of Issaquah, Wash.; in-laws, Glen and Norma Henderson of Kalispell, Pam and Shawn Walker of Clinton, and Bob and Dawn Henderson of Kalispell; and by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Donna's life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish, with the Revs. John Bent and Jeff Teeples officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a funeral-fund account at the First Interstate Bank in Whitefish in her name.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.