Donna J. Long

Donna J. Long, 69 of Bend passed away suddenly on Friday, August 9, surrounded by four of her closest friends: Allen, Candice, Letty, and Karen. Donna was born January 4, 1950, the youngest daughter of William G. and Frances (Smith) Holzinger. Growing up she couldnt pronounce Donna and called herself "Nonnie," the name her family has always known her as. Donna grew up and attended schools in Boise, ID. She graduated from Borah High School in 1968 and earned a bachelors degree from Idaho State University in Physical Education. Donna never went on to teaching but started her career working in retail for K-Mart. Eventually, she moved to Walla Walla, WA where she started a 40-year career with Pacific Power and Light. She started as a meter reader and worked her way into the warehouse. While working for PP&L, she transferred to Hood River where she enjoyed the beauty of the Columbia Gorge. Later she transferred to Bend, OR, which she called home for so many years. She retired from PP& L in January 2015. In the 40 years with PP & L she developed lifelong friendships and often shared stories with her family and friends. Donna had a robust love for horses, beginning as a small child. She once fell off her horse, broke her arm, and was right back on and ready to ride. Throughout her childhood she performed with the Eh Capa bareback riding club. Later, she and her most treasured horse "Misty" started competitive barrel racing. After retiring from barrel racing, Donna ventured into horse racing. She and her close friend and trainer Dan Tobin traveled all over the Northwest. Two of her favorite tracks were Les Bois and Portland Meadows. Most everyone knew Donna for her decades of involvement in horse clubs and organizations. But it was time for her to try something new. She fell in love with training and showing Australian Shepherds. Her hard work and dedication qualified her dogs in the top tier in the country, and Donna was heading to Nationals in California in November. A special recognition to Ripple, Amy, Libby, and her surviving girl " Aly" who all brought Donna so much love and joy. They truly were her life. Outside of horses and dogs, Donna loved to travel. One of her favorite places was the Oregon Coast. Not a fan of flying, she braved it to take her first Mexico cruise with her niece Susie. Donna was fascinated with finding her ancestry and family roots in Louisiana. She couldnt wait to further investigate her family history, and she and Susie splurged and booked a luxurious suite on a cruise ship out of Galveston, TX, in April 2020. Donna was one of the most thoughtful, kind, and loyal people anyone was honored to know. Her favorite color was purple, which made it easy to shop for her. Ironically "Nonnie" is derived for the Greek word meaning violet flower. Donna has an older sister, Alice Boyle, who she will meet in heaven. Donna is survived by her sister Carol Holaday and brother in-law Ray Holaday of Meridian, ID; nieces "Susie Kay" and her beloved hubby "Little Stevie," Cheryl, Toni, Tracy, and Trini and a nephew Brent. She also has several great and great-great nieces and nephew. Donna is survived by an enormous circle of "dog" and "horse" friends, neighbors and lifelong friends. She truly loved everyone and never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. At her request, no services will be held. Hold Donna close to your heart. Donations can be made to any horse or dog charity in her honor. This poem was written by one of her friends and found in her desk drawer. I dropped by to see a friend in the hospital today. Just to see if there was any chance I could brighten her day. Words were hard to come up with at first, or maybe keeping a smile was even worse. True friends are too far and few between to allow ones friend to lose that gleam. We began to laugh and joke, I even began to give her a quarter horse poke. She said one thing before I left, and this I will remember for ever after. She paused a second and then she said "thanks for all the laughter". This brings to mind a thought before I close, on many occasions this same thought as a rose. Friends and loved ones seem to come and pass, but true friends and memories will last and last. Funeral Home: Autumn Funerals - Bend 61555 Parrell Road Bend, OR US 97702