Donna Darlene Berger, 76
Donna Darlene Berger, in her 76 years, lived her life as the definition of a strong matriarchal woman. Donna, also known as Darlene, was born in Great Falls to Bernhard Roedel and Anna Case and grew up with her two brothers, Donald and Theodore Roedel.
Marrying Larry Prothero, Donna became a young military bride, a path that would truly strengthen her character. On short notice, she could move her large family as far away as England and make it seem like a normal daily activity. Widowed young, she returned to Kalispell with six children to be nearer to her mother and father.
Donna found love again and married Arthur Berger. Together they raised all the children and had one more child. Their life brought many moves with Donna settling in Pasco, Wash.
One look at her aged hands tells the story of the hard worker she was. Donna cooked for Andy's Coffee Break in Pasco for almost a decade. She remodeled her homes, gardened, made ceramics and sewed.
Donna used her passion for needle work to lavish her children and grandchildren with handcrafted quilts and dolls. She was "The Sock Monkey Maker Extraordinaire." Her monkeys still comfort the old and the young alike.
On Aug. 13, 2014, Donna gave notice she was finished fighting her long battle with COPD and wanted to be reunited with her father, Bernhard Roedel, mother Anna Case Roedel, husband Larry Prothero, husband Arthur Berger, daughter Cheryl Berger, son Timothy Prothero and Bear, her four-legged sidekick. Surrounded with laughter, tears and love, Donna Darlene made a dramatic exit early morning Aug. 14, 2014, with a flash of lightning that illuminated the room as her spirit left us.
Donna Darlene Berger “will be waiting with open arms” for her sons, Russell Prothero, Kenneth Prothero and Christopher Prothero; daughters, Frances Cutright and Danette Locke; and Larry Shemorry, who has dedicated years to helping her; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers or cards, any memorial contribution be made to your charity of choice.
Express your thoughts and memories in the online Guest Book at www.einansfuneralhome.com.