March 18th, 2015

Donna Arnold Brown
Donna’s struggle with cancer ended Tuesday morning, March, 10, 2015 in Deer Lodge. She passed away in her sleep at the age of 79 in the Genesis Care Center of Deer Lodge.    
Donna was born on October 15, 1935, to Clarence and Esther Arnold in Deer Lodge.  In her early years she lived with her parents and sisters, Carol and Edith in a small ranch house south of Avon near Spotted Dog Creek.   Like many of the ranch children of her day Donna boarded in town with foster families during the school year and went home on week-ends and holidays.  In the Mid 1940’s Donna moved with her family to Deer Lodge where she attended public schools.  Donna graduated from Powell County High School in 1953.    
Donna married the love of her life Phillip Brown the day after she graduated from high school.  She and Phillip were totally devoted to each other for more than 52 years until his passing in May of 2005.  
Donna worked at the Louisiana Pacific Sawmill office as the Office Manager for many years.  She was very dedicated and hardworking and was highly regarded by both the staff and hourly workers at the mill.   She knew all the employees and their families and was never so busy that she would not make time for anyone who needed her help.  She retired in 1982 to spend more time with her family and volunteer service in the community.   
She loved camping, hiking, birdwatching, bird feeding and pretty much everything to do with the outdoors.  She loved the high wild places and high mountain lakes.   She went on countless hunting and fishing and bird watching expeditions with her family and friends. She always did her hunting and fishing with a camera.  
She was very generous with her time and energy and was involved in many, many different things over the years.  As a Hospice volunteer, a food pantry volunteer, part of the Literacy program, a Lifelines volunteer, part of a Bible study group, and a member of a sewing club, just to mention a few.
Donna was a spiritual person and believed that our life on this earth was just one part of eternal life.  She was a long time member of The Unity Church in Butte as well as the Butte Dharma Practice group. 
Donna was one of those rare individuals who knew no strangers only friends.  She always seemed to know just the right words to brighten your day, to make you feel special and could always make your day just a little bit better!
Donna was preceded in death by her Parents Esther and Clarence, her husband Phillip and her sister Carol Arnold.  She is survived by sister Edith (George) Flores, brother Gary (Joann) Larson, sons Robert and Darrell and daughter Phyllis (Tom) Vanelsberg.   She leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will take place April 4 at 2 p.m. at the Jewell Funeral Home.  Following Graveside Services friends and family will gather for a remembrance of Donna’s life. 
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of choice by the donor as Donna would be happy that any good cause was given a helping hand in her honor!

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