DONNA ARKINSON obituary

ROCKY BOY - Donna Lee Arkinson, 56, died Friday, March 31, 2006, at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City, Okla., of cancer.

Her wake service began Wednesday evening with her funeral service scheduled for 11 a.m. today at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Rocky Boy with Pastor Arden Barden officiating. Burial was to follow at Rocky Boy Cemetery.

Donna was born March 30, 1950, in Browning to Edward and Cora (Bullchild) Arkinson. At 19, Donna gave birth to her first son Joseph Derek “Scout” Moran, who was adopted and raised by Joe and Marilyn Moran of Arlee. Two years later, she met and married Saul Mckenzie Basil of Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada. She gave birth to three children.

Although, Donna had many struggles throughout her life, she was always full of life. She enjoyed being around family and friends. Donna raised her children in a positive manner. In the early 1990s, Donna surrendered and gave her life over to the Lord upon the death of her cherished niece, Meghan Bear Medicine.

After she was diagnosed with Lupus, Donna continued to overcome trials and tribulations of health issues and fulfilled her sacred role as mother and grandmother.

Donna was an active member of the Native American Church and enjoyed participating in prayer services. In October 2005, Donna was diagnosed with small cancerous cells in her lungs. She had undergone 12 rounds of chemotherapy and two rounds of radiation. She spent her 56th birthday in the hospital with her family and friends, and passed away the following day.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Cora; son, Derek Moran; grandson, Darius Jacob Lee; husband, Saul Mckenzie Basil; sisters, Martina and Leona Arkinson; and brothers, Edward “Donnie” and Joseph Arkinson.

Survivors include her daughters, Dawn Marie Black of El Reno, Okla., and Terri Ann George of Bellingham, Wash .; son, Shannon Small Feather of Vancouver, Wash .; adopted children, Corlina Arkinson of Tulsa, Okla., and Austin Cornelius of Sacramento, Calif .; 15 grandchildren: Tashina, Sahara, Cheyenne, Sundancewind, Cree, the twins- Rocky Boy and River Sage all of El Reno, OK. Cheryl, Anne, Antoinette, Michael and Pat of Bellingham, WA. Dimitri and Mckenzie of Kent, WA. Crimson Ocean Dawn of Omak, WA. and newly born Willem Lee of Vancouver, WA. Sisters: Corlene Arkinson of Cut Bank, MT; Joanne Arkinson of Billings, MT. Brothers: Tom Arkinson of Cut Bank, MT and Victor Arkinson of Billings, MT. Cree relatives of the Arkinson Family from the Blackfeet relatives and the Bear Medicine and Bullchild family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.