DonnaLee Starkweather

DonnaLee Starkweather, 85, passed away on June 10, 2025, at her home in Auburn, California, while held by her husband of 52 years, Bruce Starkweather. Born in Portland, Oregon, on March 27, 1940, DonnaLee spent her early years in several places, including southeastern US, and regions of Oregon and California. She met Bruce Starkweather while working at the University of Oregon Architecture School, who soon became her lifelong love. After a 6 month roadtrip travelling Europe in their VW bus, they settled in Loomis, nestled in the rolling foothills of California, along with their herds of sheep, goats, a few horses, some chickens, plenty of cats n’ dogs, and their four children. DonnaLee’s career path was woven from many threads, from teaching elementary school to selling real estate and also opening the beloved Golden Fleece yarn shop in Old Town Auburn. She had an insatiable sense of adventure that led her to travel to the farthest corners of the earth - riding camels through the Saharan desert, exploring Patagonia by boat, and savoring wine and cheese at her hillside retreat in South West France. A talented chef, gifted pianist, and creative knitter and weaver, she seasoned her life with a variety of creative pursuits. Her greatest joy, by far, was time spent with her six grandkids, who brought her endless laughter and love. Although she has departed, her vibrant spirit and adventurous heart will reverberate in the memories and stories of all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Starkweather; her four children, Phred, Jennifer, Stephen, and Ryan; their spouses and grandchildren; and her sister, Nicki Horner.