Donna Lynn (Winter) Bren

Donna Lynn (Winter) Bren, age 54, died on May 3, 2008, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, following a long stay at the Life Care Center of Ritzville. The daughter of Walt and Helen Winter, she was born Feb. 26, 1954, in Odessa, where she was raised and graduated from high school in 1972. 

Growing up in Odessa, she helped her parents on the family wheat farm, and worked at the local bowling alley and restaurant. She then went on to study at Kinman Business School in Spokane. She spent her adult years raising her four children in Odessa; Saltese, Mont.; and Lind. Her hobbies included reading, cooking, gardening and passing the time with friends and family.  Her great joy, however, came from spending time with her children and grandchildren. 

She is survived by her parents, Walt and Helen Winter of Odessa; two sisters, Christy Hensler of Newport, and Patricia Johnson and husband Wayne Johnson of Lewiston, Idaho; a brother, Dale Winter of Odessa; a son, Matthew Bren and wife Brett of Odessa; daughters, Kathryn Bren of Lind; Franki Bren of Spokane; and Rebecca and husband Jason Cashmere of Spokane. She adored her four grandchildren, Dylan Perry, Deacon Haase, Sean Cashmere and LeaCadia Bren. Though they may not have been related, she loved Josh Lasen, of Lind, and Frank Perry, of Spokane, and considered them part of her family. 

Donna was preceded in death by her brother, Neal Walter Winter; and grandson, Dominic Perry.

Memorial service will be held at the Good Hope Lutheran Church in Lind, Friday, May 9, at 11 a.m., followed by a meal and sharing at the fellowship hall in the basement of the church. Private burial is in Odessa on Saturday.