Donna Jean Roberts Cox

VICTOR — Donna Jean Roberts Cox, 54, of Victor slipped away from us Monday night (Oct. 23, 2006) in her sleep. She was always full of surprises!

Born in Orange County, Calif., on March 22, 1952, Donna's family migrated to Polson when she was a young girl. She graduated from Polson High School in 1970. In 1972, Donna married Stanley Roberts. They moved to Victor in 1980 and started Wild Rose Pottery. Donna's pottery was widely known up and down the west coast. Their three children, Toby, Catherine and Elizabeth, attended Victor Schools.

The couple divorced in 1994 and Donna later married Darvy Cox and became a loving step-mom to Brittany Cox. A few years ago Donna connected with her last love, Kevin Merkley, who was by her side when she left us.

She liked to think of herself as a sort of gypsy and well, she was. Her flamboyant loving spirit attracted lots of people into her sphere. Donna was an unfailingly loving person and considered each new acquaintance a new personal treasure. Consequently we will all miss her greatly. She set an amazing example of unconditional love and a vast appreciation for life in all of its innumerable aspects. We were all honored to have participated in her earthly sojourn.

Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Osborn, and her beloved grandson Tyson Zito.

She is survived by her children and their children: son Toby and Lauren Roberts and Jasper; daughter, Catherine and Tim Hodges and Jesse, Austin and Keeanna; daughter Elizabeth and Ryan Zito and Justice; and step-daughter Brittany Cox.

Donna has a huge extended family and tribe that will miss the physical reminders of her indomitable spirit, but we will never forget her presence that remains with us all.

Graveside services were held on Saturday at the Grantsdale Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials be made in Donna's name to Catherine Hodges, 106 Cove Court, Missoula, MT 59803.

Arrangements were by the Daly-Leach Chapel.