Donna Underwood, age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, May 30, 2026, after suffering a tragic fall the day before, on May 29, while surrounded by friends and family. Her daughters and stepson Patrick remain faithfully by her side, during her final moments on earth. She was aware of their presence, and her passing was peaceful. In her final moments she also had the comfort of hearing from grandchildren and many dear friends.

Early Life and Career

Donna was born on March 15, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, to her biological mother, Doris Avonda Ball. She was adopted at birth by Donald Wesley Bennett and Helen May Truesdell Bennett. After the loss of her father during her childhood, her mother later married Oliver Brown, who became the devoted father figure in her life and whom Donna regarded as the father who raised her.

She attended local schools in Southern California and later became a registered nurse, eventually working at a psychiatric rehabilitation hospital in San Bernardino, California. Friends and family often smiled at the irony that Donna became a nurse despite fainting at the sight of blood. She loved sharing humorous stories from her years in the profession and brought laughter wherever she went.

Marriage, Family, and Personal Growth

In 1965, Donna married John Pekus. Tragically, he lost his life less than five years later in a vehicle accident. In 1972, she married Karl Reutzel, and together they raised their children. Donna devoted herself to her family, charitable causes, and her lifelong passion for improving the lives of animals. After seventeen years of marriage, she entered a new chapter in life and eventually found her true love, Wayne Underwood. Together, they built a life filled with love, friendship, faith, charity, dancing, rescued animals, and unwavering devotion to one another.

A lifelong learner, Donna never stopped pursuing new goals. She worked her way through college, earned a bachelor's degree, and became a certified therapist. Drawing from her own experiences with loss, grief, and resilience, she authored nine books, including murder mysteries and works focused on healing and recovery from grief Her published titles included:

NON – FICTION:

Original Loss

Original Loss Revisited

Grief Works

FICTION:

The Support Group

The Divorce Group

The Prisoner's Group

Salt & Pepper Detective Agency

The Dream Team

Choices 2022

At the time of her passing, she was actively working on her latest book.

Love, Faith, Service, and Legacy

Wayne and Donna began their life together in Evergreen, Colorado, before settling in Kennewick, Washington, where they embraced life with purpose. Their shared belief in God, commitment to serving others, and dedication to personal transformation remained the cornerstones of their lives.

Donna served others with extraordinary generosity and compassion. She volunteered throughout her life in many communities and supported numerous causes. Among the organizations she served were Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society, Kiwanis, and the Salvation Army, where she faithfully rang the bell each Christmas season.

Following Wayne's passing, Donna continued living with purpose by reading to children with learning disabilities, counseling those who sought her guidance, and encouraging everyone she met to become the best version of themselves. She never stopped sharing her humor, wisdom, kindness, encouragement, and practical support.

Whether through her cherished grief support group, The Magnificent Seven, her circle of friends, amazing neighbors, her family and loved ones, or a complete stranger, Donna was always ready with a listening ear, thoughtful advice, or a helping hand. She gave generously, loved deeply, and touched many lives. Her legacy of compassion, service, and friendship will continue to inspire all who knew her.

If she could offer one final message to those she loved, it would be:

"May you find joy in each day, and even greater joy in the days to come."

Survived By

Donna is survived by her half sister, Donna Ostroff.; her daughter, Karla Anna Houk; her daughter, April Marshall; and her son, Erik Reutzel. She is also lovingly remembered by her husband's family, including Michael Underwood, Patrick Underwood, and Jennifer Dansberry, along with their spouses and children.

She also leaves behind her beloved lifelong friend, Anna Tarkanian, who stood by her side for more than 70 years.

Grandchildren

Brandon Karl Houk

Jamie Lee Houk

Paris Michelle Houk

Quinn Alan Houk

Lauren Ava Marshall

Daniel Vaughn Marshall (Von)

Samuel Rafferty Marshall

Hayden Alexander Marshall

Xavier Reutzel

Kira Reutzel

Annika Reutzel

Scarlet Reutzel

Bridgette Underwood

Carl Underwood

Emory Underwood

Aliya Topek

Jake Topek

Great-Grandchild

Palmer Underwood

Donna's legacy of love, purpose, resilience, generosity, and service will be remembered by all who knew her. She leaves behind an example to be carried forward by her family, friends, readers, and the many lives she touched.

Though she will be deeply missed, the laughter, wisdom, and love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

We leave you with words she truly believed in:

"Fear does not stop death;

It stops life.

And worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles;

it takes away today's peace."

Memorial Request

Her daughters held a small memorial service before departing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local humane society in her honor, in accordance with her wishes.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Mueller's Funeral Home: 509-783-9532

Daughter: Karla Houk 518-312-8361

Daughter: April Marshall 443-534-2449