Donna Mae Sterkin

Donna Mae Sterkin, 81, born on May 4, 1933 in Hoxie, Kansas, passed away March 10, 2015. She resided in Granada Hills, California at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, California.

Donna loved a good meal. Perhaps it was because of her upbringing and her mother's down home cooking. Born in the rural, farming town of Hoxie, Kansas, to Roy and Fern Hedge, Donna Mae Hedge began life during a simpler, gentler time. The youngest of four, she often reminisced about those days tending to chores like milking the cows and feeding the chickens, and she'd laugh when she remembered riding her horse, Old Buck, to the single-room schoolhouse where she learned the basics. After school, on more than one occasion, she returned to the horse hitchin' post to find Old Buck's bridle, but no Old Buck. Apparently, he knew his way home and would leave the heavy bridle behind for young Donna to carry on the long walk back to the farm. But, she really didn't mind. Because when she got there she was rewarded with delicious farmhouse staples like fried chicken with biscuits & gravy.

After moving with her family to Los Angeles in the late 1940's, Donna finished her primary education and went on to graduate college from Cal State Los Angeles. It was during her single years that she met a handsome gentleman at a local big band dance club that she and her friends frequented. The two later enjoyed the first dance at their own wedding when Donna married David Sterkin. They lived & worked (and danced) in the downtown Los Angeles area for a number of years. For some time, Donna was employed as an undercover detective for Sears, Roebuck & Company. But, when she became pregnant, Dave & Donna decided that it was time for her to trade in her detective duties for baby booties.

After several unsuccessful tries, she gave birth to the couple's only child, their son, Doyle. Around that time, the family left the city life behind for a more suburban existence and moved to the quaint San Gabriel Valley.

Donna and Dave enjoyed working at their family trucking business, A-1 Express, that Dave founded with his cousin, Jim Kirk & his wife, Marcia, and eventually the company flourished. As her son grew and the business took on a life of its own, Donna got in touch with her creative side decorating cakes, sewing and learning other arts & crafts. She volunteered at their son's schools and at youth sports functions, was a member of the local Woman's Club and volunteered for other civic organizations. She enjoyed when the family traveled to new & exotic places and to visit her sisters, Lorraine Locke & Wilda Selbe, in Texas and Kansas respectively, and their brother, Willard Hedge and his wife, Irene, in Florida.

After losing her beloved husband in 1993, Donna's fortitude really shone through during her own health battles. Her longtime bout with chronic & debilitating psoriasis and, later, peripheral vascular disease were the issues that defined her later years. But, she never gave up the fight, and she never stopped smiling. Her many friends and those with whom she came in contact regularly marveled at her resilience and positive spirit. She chalked it up to her simple upbringing and her hearty, Midwestern genes.

Possibly her greatest source of pride was her grandson, Joshua, born to her son and his wife Jillian. She would beam whenever he was near and he was always a supportive and loving presence. Until her last days, she fondly recalled his accomplishments in sports, choir & drama and was so proud to attend his high school graduation this past year.

She lived her final years near her son and his family in the San Fernando Valley at Magnolia Gardens Convalescent Hospital where she was looked after by a very dedicated group of people. She was always grateful for their compassion and care. They will tell you, as will most everyone else who came into contact with Donna, that she was a very special lady with an amazing attitude. Through it all, she never lost her appetite – for life, for fun, or for a good meal.

May she rest in peace!