Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Donzella Schlager passed away on July 27, 2026, at The Springs in The Dalles, Oregon. Donzella was born the oldest of three children to Thomas J. Wilson and Viola E. Granger on Oct. 1, 1926, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
Donzella was raised in Lingle, Wyoming, on a sheep farm. She helped with farm chores, riding horses, and herding sheep in the hills. During school she was active with 4-H, sports, music and led the marching band. Her band was selected to play at the 1943 Cheyenne Frontier Days. Donzella graduated from Lingle High School in 1944. She married Ruben Schlager on July 22, 1944, and started her family while helping with the sugar beet farm.
After selling the farm, Donzella and Ruben moved to Oregon. Donzella was adventurous and followed Ruben wherever he needed to go for work. They settled in The Dalles in 1963. Donzella was well known in the community and worked as a Census gatherer for Wasco County, and an administrative assistant for both Red Cross and United Way. Her final job was a clerk at JCPenney.
Donzella was a woman who loved God and was a devoted member of First Christian Church, where she mentored young Christians, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She sang in many choirs and served in both visible ways and behind the scenes at church.
Donzella was a fine quilter and demonstrated techniques at the Discovery Center for years. She was an excellent seamstress and knitter. She belonged to the Democratic Women’s Organization and the Toastmistress Club. She was always proud that she and Ruben attended Jimmy Carter’s inauguration and ball in Washington, D.C. Donzella was a girl and boy scout leader. She loved to read and taught her children a love of reading. She enjoyed writing, especially genealogy and poetry. Donzella loved traveling and visiting her children.
Donzella loved to dance with her husband Ruben. They were members of the Eagles and danced there often. While visiting family in Idaho, she danced with Lawrence Welk and said he was a “talented” dancer. In retirement, Donzella and Ruben built a home in a small orchard and sold cherries, apricots and fresh produce.
Donzella is survived by her sister, Edith B. Saunders; her six children, Gabriella Sue (Rick), Lee Ann, James, Beth (Greg), Russell (Angela), and David (Cindy); a special son, Dennis Morgan (Shannon); and daughter-in-law Connie. She has 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ruben, her parents, brother Tom Wilson and many brothers- and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, Aug. 10 at 11 a.m.at First Christian Church in The Dalles. Memorial contributions may be sent to First Christian Church, 909 Court St., The Dalles, OR 97058, or Bristol Hospice, 407 Portway Ave., Suite 201, Hood River, OR 97031.
Columbia Gorge News, Aug. 12, 2026
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