Donna Ann Walenceus passed away on October 12, 2017 while receiving palliative hospice care at the MultiCare Auburn Regional Medical Center.

Donna was born in Oelwein, Iowa on December 2, 1934. She was thought of as the baby of the Hulse family by the Nuns while attending The Holy Family Catholic School. Much was expected from her and she did not disappoint them. She is survived by her only brother George Richard (Dick) Hulse of Camano Island, Washington.

Preceding her death was her father Earnest (Ernie) Hulse (1964), her mother Philomena (Toots) King Hulse (1992) her sister Mary Margret (Marge) Rees (1998), and her sister Helen Krueger (2009).

While Donna was growing up as a teenager she did not know that she had briefly seen her future husband John (who attended a dreaded public school). Even though John did not like to roller skate, he happened to stop by the roller rink where he noticed a pretty girl skating alone. For him, it was love at first sight.

John and Donna were married on November 14, 1953. John was drafted into the US Army (Korean War) in 1954 and was discharged in 1956. Encouraged by Donna, their family moved to Ames, Iowa in 1957 where John attended Iowa State University. Donna worked at odd jobs days and evenings until John’s graduation in 1962 and moved to Washington State.

Donna is survived by her husband John Tony Walenceus (1933) and all her loving children Michael John Walenceus (1957), Richard Alan Walenceus (1959), Peter Joseph Walenceus (1963), and Jennifer Ann Walenceus Thomas (1973).

Donna lived life with a simple and prayerful philosophy knowing that “Help” is a good four letter word. She volunteered sewing skills, contributed food for the needy, and faithfully supported select charities.

She was thoughtful to others, not too moody or pushy, but always expected the best from everyone. She was independent, yet able to accept favors received with simple grace. And in the end had made a few good friends she had laughed with and were the first to pray for her soul.

Donna was cremated and will be inurned in a wall niche located at The Tahoma National Cemetery in Maple Valley. Among her favorite charities were the “Wounded Warriors” and “Operation Smiles”.