Donna Lee Hamilton Finch died peacefully at her home in the early morning of Friday, April 12, 2024. She was surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with kidney failure. She was 77 years old.

Donna was the oldest child of RC and Vivian Hamilton, born on May 22, 1946. She was raised in Pullman and enjoyed weekends at her grandparents’ farm. Donna was the big sister to her brother Scott and sister Luann. Donna graduated from Pullman High School in 1964 before attending cosmetology school in Seattle. She later returned to Pullman where she lived the remainder of her life.

Donna married another Pullman native, Jerry Finch, on Oct. 20, 1967. She loved being welcomed into the Finch family, and she had a very close relationship with her in-laws, the late Howard and Teresa Finch. In June 1969, Donna and Jerry welcomed their first child, Tricia. Melissa joined the family in 1971 and Donna focused on raising her girls.

When we were in elementary school, Mom pursued her dream of opening a business in downtown Pullman. She first owned a children’s clothing and arts and crafts store, called The Apple Seed. She later opened a women’s clothing store called The Gazebo.

During her years as a Pullman business owner, she imagined a large community Fourth of July celebration to recognize Pullman’s 100th birthday. As a woman in the earl ’80s she found it difficult to make her vision a reality, so she elicited the help of her brother-in-law, Howard Finch Jr., and together they organized what has become a Pullman tradition.

Mom retired from business after the untimely death of her sister Luann. She and Jerry became the legal guardians of their nephew Daniel and raised him as their own.

Mom’s focus was her family and her home. At the time of her death, Mom had lived in the home for 49 years — it was an extension of her heart and was always full of family, our friends and a menagerie of pets. She often referred to her home as her “patchwork quilt” as the once three-bedroom house was remodeled and added onto several times over the years as her family became larger.

Another dream came true when her daughter Melissa moved back to Pullman and built herself a home in what had once been the horse pasture. Mom and Melissa spent countless hours planning each detail for what would become Melissa’s new home.

Nothing was more rewarding to Mom than when she became a Grammie. First came five energetic grandsons: Erik, David, Evan, Adam and finally Owen. This was followed by four precious granddaughters; Kate, Lilah, Vivian and finally Dorothy Lee, affectionately referred to as the caboose.

Donna was born to be a Grammie and made each child feel loved and special. Grandkids were often riding bikes up the long driveway, building a fort in the “grandkid room,” jumping on the trampoline, having “Grammie picnics,” or baking something delicious. She was a Grammie who was down on the floor building trains and having tea parties and gave her grandchildren the best gift-her time, attention and love.

After the death of her father RC Hamilton, Mom and her first cousins inherited the family land, the private side of Kamiak Butte and adjoining farmland. Rather than sell, Mom persuaded her cousins to keep the treasure in the family. Mom’s dream of keeping her family close became a reality as generational bonds developed. A highlight in Mom’s year was the Hamilton Family Reunion, which brought Hamilton descendants from across Washington state and afar back to the Palouse.

Those who knew our mom knew a truly beautiful woman. Her heart had no boundaries. Even when in pain, Mom was quick to give a compliment to others in the room.

There is not a person who has met our mother who does not know her kindness, her beauty and her ability to be another mother to anyone who needed one.

Mom had a silly side. Her approach to life was graceful, yet not firmly held to specific time — this was referred to as “Hamilton time.” She had her own special language that those close to her knew well. She would often say, “It’s no big D” when things didn’t go her way, and she believed in measuring things with a “skosh.”

Rather than sweating the small stuff, Mom thought it was better to say “fiddlesticks” or “fiddley D.” Her common response to being told she was loved was, “Love you more,” and if you couldn’t find her, she was probably “over yonder.”

Mom’s faith in God was the driving force in her life. She treated all people with the utmost kindness and respect. She made friends with nurses and hospital staff, and we were constantly told, “your mom is so sweet.” Mom’s unwavering belief in God and her desire to go home to him has provided us with peace.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Jerry; her daughter, Trish Finch Blehm, son-in-law Mark and their children: David, Adam and Kate; her daughter Melissa Finch and her children: Erik, Evan and Owen Bratvold; and her son Dan Hamilton, daughter-in-law Lynda and their children: Lilah, Vivian and Dorothy; and her brother Scott Hamiliton.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Luann.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations be made in Donna’s name to The Walden House, where the family stayed many times throughout her health journey, through the Kootenai Hospital Foundation kootenaihealthfoundation.org/donate-online.

A private family burial will take place followed by a celebration of Donna’s life. If you are able, please wear spring colors and join the family at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in the view room of the Gladish Community Center, 115 NW State St., Pullman.

Corbeill Funeral Home of Pullman is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to corbeillfuneralhomes.com.