Donna Rae Workman OBITUARY

Donna Rae Workman OBITUARY

Donna Rae Workman was born Donna Rae Doster to George Wilson Doster and Edna Alta Doster in Stockton, California.

She graduated from Monterey High School in 1951 and married Robert Vernon Workman on December 9, 1951.

Donna was a devoted homemaker for 22 years following her marriage to Robert. She raised four children: Cary Aileen Workman, Robert Vernon Workman, Timothy Jay Workman, and Kim Allen Workman. She lovingly hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings for Grandma and Grandpa Doster, their six family members, as well as her siblings and their children on several occasions. Donna was a wonderful cook and especially known for her apple pies.

Almost every Sunday, she prepared dinner for the family and Grandma and Grandpa Doster. After dinner, the adults would play cards — pinochle, Hollywood rummy, and canasta — while the kids were not included. Later, once the children were walking, talking, and out of diapers, the family began taking two-week vacations each year, traveling by car and staying in motels along the way. On their final big trip, which included Grandma and Grandpa Doster, Donna always said the children were at their very best behavior.

After her years as a homemaker, Donna joined her husband in their business, Ordside Automotive in Marina CA. where she handled the bookkeeping until their retirement.

Following retirement, Donna and Robert moved to Oakhurst, California, later to Paradise, California, and then to Chico, California before the Camp Fire. Robert passed away in 2015 at the age of 90. Donna later relocated to Chico Mobile Country Club to be closer to her daughter Cary. They shared Sunday lunches and card games together each week. This tradition continued until 2023, when an accident required Donna to move to Autumn Creek Post Acute in Chico. Even then, Sunday lunch and cards continued until her passing.

Donna also enjoyed many visits with friends, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, exchanging cards and notes. She spent her time reading, crocheting potholders — by the hundreds — watching television and movies, doing word circle puzzles, and listening to music on her CD player.

Donna was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Robert Workman, and by two sons, Robert V. Workman Jr. and Kim Allen Workman.

She is survived by her daughter, Cary Aileen Workman Rudd (Robert Rudd) of Chico; her son, Timothy Jay Workman of Texas; granddaughter, Sarah M. Rudd; great-grandson, Blake C. Lawlor; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.