Donna Kay Cox Richardson passed on August 7, 2021 in Eureka at the age of 82.

Donna was born January 23, 1939 at Prust Maternity Home in Ferndale to Earl E. and Karla Hansen Cox. She was a life long resident of Ferndale, a 1956 graduate of Ferndale High School, and attended Humboldt State University.

She considered her first and most important career to be that of wife, mother, and homemaker. After raising her children, she began her second career as secretary at Ferndale High School in 1986 and retired in 2002.

Donna was a member of NDGW, Oneonta parlor and Order of Eastern Star. She served as Booster Club President from 1976 – 1982 and was instrumental in forming the Booster Band in 1978 When Ferndale High had no band for their activities. She and her husband were honored as “Outstanding Boosters” in 1980; an honor voted on by the senior class. Donna was also selected as “Staff Member of the Year 1998-1999” at Ferndale High, something of which she was very proud. In 2008 she was selected “Volunteer of the Year” at the Ferndale Museum.

Donna is survived by Jerry, her husband of 62 years; her sister, Sandra Sullivan; a daughter, Kathy (Richardson) Dodds and husband Dave of Elk Grove; sons, Ron Richardson and wife Susie of Arizona; Gregg Richardson and wife Laura of Hillsboro, Wisconsin; Grant Richardson and wife Robin of Naples FL; Brad Richardson and wife Ellen of Ashland, Oregon; and 26 grandchildren – Lindsey, Stephanie, Katie, -Vincent, Kayla,- Christiana, Janelle, Karina, Rachel, Luke, Lee, James, Anna, Will, Ben, John, - Matthew, Andrew, Jay, - Emma, Stephen, Christopher, Joshua, Jonathan, Brianna, and Olivia. She is also survived by eighteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear Mes Amies group — Judy Dixon, Ginny Dwight, and Linda Russ.

Donna experienced many joys in her life. Too many to mention here. However, one of Donna’s greatest joys was spending time with her family on their houseboat at Trinity Lake during the summer months for a period of years. She thoroughly enjoyed the sun, the water, and the good times had by all. Donna also was very proud of her beautiful flowers and vegetable garden. She spent endless hours weeding, pruning, planting and maintaining her yard with the help of her husband. She liked nothing better than to have her hands in the soil. She also made some damn good jam from the many berries they cultivated on their property, which was always in great demand from the family. Volunteering at the Ferndale Museum was another bright spot. She made many friendships and enjoyed sharing her knowledge of the history of this beautiful town.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Carl L. and Alma Hansen and James T. Cox and Mary Titus Meyers, her father, Earl E. Cox, and her mother Karla Leger.

Friends will be invited to attend a Memorial Service to be determined at a later date.

Memorials can be made to Ferndale Museum. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Danish Lutheran Church in Ferndale.