Donna Mae Oie Sturm

Donna Mae Oie Sturm passed away peacefully in Billings on May 3, 2012, following a brief illness. She was 69.

She was the second of four children, born on Feb. 1, 1943 in Polson, Mont. to Ella and Thurston Oie. She grew up on a ranch in Irvine Flats and attended schools in Polson, graduating in 1961.

Shortly after high school, she moved to Missoula and worked various jobs there before marrying. On Aug. 27, 1966 she married her best friend Wayne LeRoy Sturm at First Methodist Church in Polson. They lived the “farm life” operating the “Milk Jug” from 1977 to 1985. She was always busy raising three children, attending school/sporting events and truly living out her spiritual gift as “servant.” She worked as a caregiver for the young and old. There was rarely a craft Donna did not try her hand at, but quilting was her favorite. Her other hobbies included needlework, sewing, gardening, canning, cooking, baking, ceramics and playing cards or games.

In 1997, they moved to the Seeley Lake area where they lived for 12 years making many friends. In June 2009, they moved to Denton and she quickly felt a part of that community, enjoyed new friends and looked forward attending school activities and sporting events of granddaughter, Jessica and grandson, Porter.

She was preceded in death by her father, Thurston Oie and older brother John “Jack” Oie. She is survived by her mother Ella Clairmont, Pablo; sister Sharon Hill, Pablo; brother Jerry (wife Ulyana), Pablo; husband Wayne, Denton; son Dustin (wife Darcy), Roy; daughter Diane (husband Brian) Tompkins, Helena; daughter Dana, Bellevue, Wash.; granddaughter Jessica, Butte and grandson Porter, Minot, N.D. Donna had many extended relatives, nieces and nephews in Washington, the Polson area and throughout Montana.

Cremation arrangements are in care of Dahl Funeral Chapel, Billings with memorials to be held at Denton Bible Church, Denton, Mont. May 9, 2012 at 11 a.m. and New Life Christian Center in Polson on June 2, 2012 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the United Sharing Organ Network or LifeCenter Northwest. Because of organ donation, she lived an additional 26 years. Donna’s wish would be that those who knew her would learn about organ donation, talk to their families and register. Information can be found at www.lifecenternw.com