A celebration of life to honor former Monroe Mayor Donnetta Halverson-Walser will take place 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at the Rock Church Monroe (16891 146th St. S.E. #145, Monroe).
Born on July 21, 1943, Donnetta was raised in Jerome, Idaho. She graduated from the University of Idaho in 1966, teaching in Morton, Washington before moving to Monroe in 1967. Donnetta’s life was filled with grace, love, accomplishment and community advocacy. She passed away Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, with Fred, her husband of 45 years, at her side. Donnetta dedicated her life to service, spending 28 years in public education and 32 years in local politics, including service on the Monroe City Council, the Monroe Civil Service Commission, the U.S. 2 Safety Coalition, the Snohomish County Senior Services board of directors, the Snohomish County League of Women Voters and two terms as Monroe’s mayor. She is survived by cherished family members including her sons and daughters-in-law; Scott and Stacey and Matt and Kimberly; her grandchildren, Morgan and Nathan, born of Matt and Kimberly; her brother, Gordon Halverson; niece, Candace Burnikel and nephew, Rod Stevens.
Donnetta was best known for her kindness, compassion, elegance and unassuming strength. She was commended for her extraordinary skill as an educator and her steadfast commitment to the betterment of her community. No task was too formidable for Donnetta.
She made a lasting, positive impact on those who knew her, including family members, countless students and numerous professional colleagues.
Friends are invited to share memories of Donnetta during the celebration, which will include a catered lunch by Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant of Monroe. In lieu of flowers, guests may donate to the Monroe Public Schools Foundation Donnetta Walser Memorial Scholarship. In recognition of Donnetta’s passion for literacy, new and gently-used adult and children’s books will be collected during the event for distribution to the Monroe School District and Providence Hospital.
A special room rate of $113.31, including tax, is available at the Best Western Sky Valley Inn (1-877-794-3111), located at 19233 S.R. 2 in Monroe. Reservations must be made by March 18, 2017, and guests should specify the Walser Celebration of Life Memorial when making their reservation.
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