In Memoriam—Dona Taylor

Audrey Bentz

On December 17, 2016, Dona Taylor left this life, and High Prairie lost a very special person whose place was at the heart of our community. A memorial service honoring Dona was held on December 23. We are pleased to reprint here an article written by Audrey Bentz for the White Salmon Enterprise at that time. To learn more about Dona’s life and what she gave to the community, go to http://www.whitesalmonenterprise.com/obituaries/2016/dec/29/dona-taylor/.

Probably 95% of High Prairie residents have “immigrated” here from other Northwest areas over the past years. But one couple, Doug and Dona Taylor, likely hold the record for being “original” to this area.

Romance solidified their Lyle High School friendship and their marriage lasted over 60 years. No one knew most everybody that moved to High Prairie like they did  And they helped make High Prairie a welcoming place for so many over all these decades.

On December 23, a memorial service was held for Dona at the High Prairie Community Center, and was attended by over 150 people. We celebrated her life watching pictures of her and family from birth and on. There was music by the “High Prairie Larks” (of which Dona had been a key singer) doing four of Dona’s favorite songs that she sang almost up to the day that she passed on.  Rev. Myrin Bentz spoke of Dona’s life and what “place” is that God has for her now, including, as one listener suggested, “a place where no weeds grow!”.  

A wonderful meal for all those who attended was provided by the family with help from Beneventi’s and many volunteers.

Doug now has some assistance with his daughter from Alaska, and many High Prairians as he adjusts to a life with special memories of his beloved Dona.

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