Donna Gene Griner Fitzgerald 83, long time Cataldo resident passed away Dec. 8 at her daughter's home in Worley. She was born October 25, 1927 to Philip and Ada Collins Griner at Harpster, Idaho. She spent her early childhood at Kooskia and later moved to the Wallace area where she attended High School. She married Robert W. Fitzgerald on May 25, 1947 in Polson, MT. They first made their home in Wallace before purchasing the family ranch at Fern Creek in 1954. She managed the ranch while her husband alternately worked in the mines or logged. For a time, they lived at Logging Camp 44 in the St. Joe National Forest. They operated the ranch at Fern Creek until her husband died in 2006. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Kellogg. She enjoyed bowling, crocheting, embroidery, sewing, gardening, visiting with relatives and talking on the telephone. She had an open door and heart to everyone and was sincerely interested in each of their lives. Everyone who knew her loved her, and she loved them! She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her son Bob Fitzgerald of Rosalia, WA and son W. Scott Fitzgerald of Cataldo. Also surviving are daughters and son's-in-law Carla and Russ Hogan of Worley, ID and Connie and Dan Oyler of Rathdrum, ID. She is also survived by brothers Carl Griner of Kamiah, Id and Royce and Ike Griner of Baker City, OR. She is survived by sisters Violet Lyng of Santa, Id, Vonda Woods of Horseshoe Bend, Id, and Rhonda Read of Baker City, OR. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sister Nancy Griner. A private interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, St. Maries preceding a Memorial Service to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at the St. Maries Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Don Cambra officiating. A gathering of family and friends will follow services. Memorial at www.hodgefuneralhome.com.
