Donna R. (Holt) Eastwood was called home into the arms of Jesus on Aug 30th, 2021 of natural causes surrounded by her loving family.
Donna was born the oldest of 6 kids to Bud and Dorthey Raden on May 19, 1944 in Washington D.C. The family would move to Glendive, Montana where she spent her childhood and finished high school.
Donna married David Holt on June 10,1966. The two eventually settled in Oregon to raise their children. They later divorced but remained friends until David’s passing in 2000. It was not an easy life by any means, however she walked it with grace, love, and a strength that shined through. These things she passed to each of her kids. We are all who we are today because of the amazing women she was.
While raising a gaggle of kids, Donna against all odds, went to college and got her degree in HR. Donna moved to Great Falls Montana in 1992. She worked a few jobs until she found her dream job as a teachers aid at Riverview elementary and a substitute teacher for the city of Great Falls. Besides raising her own kids, this was her biggest passion and joy: to shape the lives of so many young kids brought her an amazing amount of joy. The staff, teachers, and students of Valley View elementary school held a very special place in her heart for the past 18 years.
Donna met and fell deeply in love with an amazing man, Medwin (Med) East Wood, the two were married on April 18,2003. Med filled her life with so much love, joy, laughter, and adventure. He made Donna incredibly happy. A gift her kids can never repay. Donna leaves a legacy bigger than she could have known. The lives she touched will forever be better for having had her in it.
Donna is survived by her husband Med Eastwood; children: Julie (Bob) Barrett of Welches, OR, Tricia (Larry) Oxley of Great Falls, MT, Brian (Luisa) Holt of Salem, OR, Chris (Kelly) Holt of Helena, MT, Heather (Jim) Lamoreaux of Kinross, Michigan, Bernadette (Scott) Mader of Great Falls, MT, and Jody (Morey ) Foster of Great Falls, MT; a sister Diane Tresscott, brothers Doug Raden, Dennis Raden, and Jim Raden; many grandkids and great grandkids as well. She was welcomed into heaven by her son David Holt; great grandson Kayson Harrison; both her parents, her brother Richard (Dick) Raden, sister-in-law Hazel Raden, brother-in-law Gary Tresscott and many more.
There will be a service later sometime in the spring. In the words that live on with in each of us “Bye for now”.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Terri Stevenson says
Chris, Kelley and Family, So very sorry to hear of your Moms passing. Much love and prayers sent to you all. Todd and Terri Stevenson
Karen Sherrill says
It’s very hard for me to believe Donna is gone. She and I went through so many difficult times together. And through it all she remained positive, rolled up her sleeves and got to work. She was an inspiration to many of us. She would open up her arms and her heart to anyone without hesitation. I will miss her smile and her wacky sense of humor the most. Rest In Peace now my friend. And when talking to God let him get a chance to talk to without interruption!
Shirley Lukkason says
Chris:
I was saddened to read about your mother’s death in the GF Tribune. I had quite a bit of association with your mom through substitute teaching in the Great Falls School System the past 4 years. We had lunch together at sub training in the fall and I found out then that she was your mother. She was amazing at what she did as a substitute and was a role model for me in how she handled the kids.
I think it has been over a year ago that I ran into her at Smiths. She had been a full-time sub that year previous to the school shut down because of COVID. She chatted for a while. She seemed so healthy then so do not know what all lead to her death. I was surprised.
Scott retired from funeral service in August 2015 and we came back from Ellensburg, Washington, and bought a town house in Great Falls. Already been six years ago. Love being back here.
We have great memories of your wedding at Chapel of Chimes and the time you worked for the funeral homes in Great Falls.
We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Love, Shirley (and Scott) Lukkason