Dona Gene Gearheart

Dona Gene Gearhart passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, at St. Mary's Hospital, at the age of 75.

Dona was the third child born to Frank and Mary Drake in Lyons, Kansas. Growing up in Kansas, she graduated from Washburn Rural High School. Soon after high school she was blessed with three sons, they were "her gifts".

Dona took on many jobs ranging from Gas Station Manager, Security Guard and the first female Coal Mine Foreman at Colorado Westmoreland, Inc., in Paonia, Colorado. In 1987, she moved from Paonia to Grand Junction, where she joined her sister as owners of Colorado Stamp and Seal. During that time, she decided to go back to school and attended Mesa State College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree. She went on to earn her Doctorate in History at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She briefly taught as an Adjunct Professor at UNLV and the Community College of Southern Nevada.

Her published works, include, "Surely a Wench can choose her own work", as well as extensive work with the Journal of the West. Once she graduated, she returned to the things she loved most, learning and reading. She became a manager at Barnes and Noble in Grand Junction.

As her parent's health declined, she focused all her time in caring for them. The last few years, Dona's love of family, her faith in God, and the fellowship at N.E. Christian Church, were her passions. Even in her final days she continued to teach and learn.

Dona was preceded in death by her sister, Francie Ann Drake, and parents, Frank and Mary Drake. She is survived by her children, William (Paige) Gearhart, Steve (Kellie) Gearhart, and Shannon (Cerina) Gearhart; brother, Frank Drake; sister, Sharon Eberly, and grandchildren, Zachary, Samantha, Jordan and Drake.

You left us too soon, we will miss you dearly, and love you always..... Rest in peace, Mom.

Her memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at N.E. Christian Church, 2751 Patterson Road in Grand Junction, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, donations to N.E. Christian Church would be appreciated.

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