Donna “DeeDee” J. Trush, 50, of Wasilla, Alaska, passed away Dec. 8, 2013, in Palmer, Alaska.

A celebration of life was held Dec. 15 at the First Baptist Church in Wasilla, conducted by Pastor William Donovan.

DeeDee was born on March 11, 1963, in Battle Creek, Mich., to Raymond and Rosella (Drollinger) Schell. She graduated from Flathead High School in Kalispell.

DeeDee became a resident of Anchorage, Alaska, from 1982 to 2005 and had resided in Wasilla since 2005. DeeDee enjoyed service to others during her employment with Mat-Su Activities and Respite Center, and Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults. She also enjoyed many other things, most of all, her family and friends, her Christian faith, traveling, reading, fishing, camping and lounging in the sunshine.

There are no words to express the depth of sorrow and the love in our hearts for our DeeDee, mother, wife, sister and friend. With effortless grace she touched the lives of so many. She was a natural caretaker, creative and fun, with a calm, gentle patience that defied reason. She had a freedom of spirit, always willing, and looking ahead to life's next adventure. She looked for the goodness and beauty in everyone. Her infectious smile and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her.

DeeDee is survived by her husband, Paul, daughter, Danielle, and two sons, Brandon and Paxton, all of Wasilla; a brother, Raymond Schell, of Florida; two sisters, Beth Schell and Angel Dixon, both of Maryland; stepparents, Lee and Faye Hagen, of Kalispell; stepbrother Josh Hagen, and stepsister Leatrice Hagen, both of Kalispell; and stepmother, Bobbie Schell, of Maryland. 

DeeDee was preceded in death by her father and mother, Raymond Joseph and Rosella Loraine (Hagen) Schell.

The family has asked that donations be made in DeeDee’s name to the Front Line Mission, 2001 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy., Wasilla, AK 99654.

Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel cared for arrangements.