Donna Novell Gunkel passed away July 13 at the Aspens. She was born in Harper, Ore., on March 18, 1932, to Ada Viola (Johnson) and Auer Curtis. The majority of her life was spent in Burns.

When she was very young during a throat surgery she lost the ability to speak clearly.  About the age of six she was sent to a school for the blind and remained there until she was fitted with glasses. Because of her speaking and sight she only finished the third grade. Due to an accident when she was 26 years old, she was never able to work although she did help take care of her grandchildren and children of friends. Through all her struggles in life, she remained strong and was loved by all who knew her.

Her first marriage was to Woody Mattingly and they had four children.  She then married  Henry Bleuler and one more child was born. In November of 1971, she married Alfred Daniel Gunkel.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Alfred; sister, Evelyn Smith; brothers, Ray Curtis and Mel Curtis; daughter, Linda Gale; and son, Kenny.

She is survived by her three daughters, Virginia Phillis, Murna Arboleda (Don), and Novell Deiter (Curt). Grandchildern, Tammy Spencer (Forest), Daryl Ray Atwood, Chris Deiter (Windi), Nick Deiter (Bonnie), Daniel Bleuler and Elly Ledgerwood; Grandma’s caretaker for the last years of her life, (Lance) Chad Bleuler and many great-grandchildren. Stepchildren, Claudia Hayes, Scott Gunkel (Nina), Daniel Gunkel (Rosey). Lorella Monroe (James), Harvey Gunkel (Cindy), Lucettie McDorman and Martin Gunkel and many step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.