Donna Jean Paterson, 76

Donna Jean Paterson, 76, of Smelterville, Idaho, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully April 18, 2026, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Donna was born Dec. 18, 1949, in the Philippines, where her father was stationed in the military. She was the daughter of the late Donald and Bobbie Jean (Ford) Wallack. After the family returned to the United States, they settled in Oklahoma. Donna graduated from Midwest City High School in Midwest City, Okla., with the Class of 1968. Following graduation, she attended Rose State University in Midwest City and earned her LPN certification.

Donna worked at several long-term care facilities in Oklahoma before moving to the Silver Valley in 1979. She later worked for Dr. Sarah Ayres for 20 years and then at the former West Shoshone Hospital in Kellogg.

Donna loved spending time with her family. She also enjoyed crewel embroidery, playing bingo and computer games.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Wallack II, and her son-in-law, Mike Gunderson.

She is survived by her three children, Florence Gunderson of Kellogg, Idaho; Bobbie (Nick) Gibson of Rose Lake, Idaho; and Steve Mathews of Smelterville, Idaho; her sister, Pennie Gerber of Kellogg, Idaho; six grandchildren, Richard, Riley, Austin, Nicholas, Janee and Samantha; four great-grandchildren, Harper, Macie, Bryce and Jace; as well as several nieces and nephews.

At her request, no services will be held. Donations may be made in her memory to the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center.

Memories of Donna and messages of condolence may be shared online with her family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services of the Silver Valley is caring for the family.