Dona Lou Larsen (Pinnell)

Dona Lou Larsen (Pinnell), born February 18, 1932, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Her 94 years were marked by resilience, generosity, and a steadfast devotion to the people she cherished.

After losing her mother Doris Starr due to complications of child birth, her maternal grandparents, Robert and Pauline Starr stepped in to raise her in the rural farmlands of North Dakota during the unsettled times of the Great Depression and World War II. She later reconnected with her father Joseph who had remarried and welcomed three more children to the family: Joe, Judy and Rick Pinnell.

Dona married Leo E. Larsen on June 6, 1949 in Fargo, ND. The couple settled in Billings, MT after leaving the family farm so that Leo could pursue the carpentry trade. Dona’s young married life revolved around creating a safe home for their children: Wayne, Gwen, Chris, and Janet. Wherever the family moved in its early years, she threw herself into creating a home filled with warmth, comfort and good smells. She was an accomplished cook and family and friends always looked forward to her meals. A meal from Dona was never just food; it was an expression of care, welcome, and faith.

Dona spent the majority of her adult life in Portland, Oregon, a place she embraced as home and where she built friendships and community ties. After a divorce she applied her talents by serving as a relief cook for several Portland area specialty hospitals and as a local realtor. She was active in Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church’s Women’s Circle and assisted in playing the piano at functions when needed.

Her struggle with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis served as an example of grace and fortitude in adversity. She is survived by her sister Judy Roth (Jack), brother Rick Pinnell (Patricia), sons Wayne Larsen (Carolyn), Chris Larsen (Julie), daughters Gwen Mathew (John), and Janet Filcher (Gary), 18 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom serve as a legacy of her love and enduring spirit.

Dona will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, her devotion to family, and a faith that guided her through every season of life. She will be deeply missed by those who shared her life. The Family suggests remembrances in her memory to Tabor Heights UMC or The Arthritis Foundation.