Donnella Elma Rod went home to be with the Lord on August 25, 2014. Donnella was born on September 21st, 1923 in Ellensburg, Washington to Erwin and Elma Winkel. Her mom passed away when she was two and she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Alfred and Clara Winkel in Seattle. They moved to Stanwood when she was in high school.
She met the love of her life, Howard Rod, in early 1942 and they were married November 21, 1942. They were married for 67 years before he passed away in 2009.
Donnella took great pride in her family, home, and being a farm wife. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, on the alter guild, sunshine committee, ladies' group, and took a great interest in preserving the Little White Church on the Hill. She helped with the yearly lefse making for the annual bazaar. She was a long-time member of the Snohomish County Dairy Women and the family was named Snohomish County Dairy Family of the year in 1963. She loved the Norwegian traditions, especially her lutefisk and lefse.
Donnella and Howard enjoyed spending winters in Yuma as well as many trips and cruises with their friends.
She is survived by her loving family, son and daughter-in-law Bill and Jolene Rod, daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Steve Hinde, grandchildren Greg and Tami Rod, Karen and Scott Hanseth, Bryan Rod, Julie and Scott Hempelmann, Scott Hinde, and great grandchildren Lauren and Holly Rod, Craig and Brett Hanseth, and Owen Hempelmann.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 30th at Peace Lutheran Church in Silvana, WA. Arrangements made by Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
Memorials may be made to Little White Church on the Hill, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Stanwood Camano Family Resource Center, the Stanwood Camano Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.