MALCOLMINA DONIS obituary

CHINOOK Malcolmina (MacArthur) Donis, 80, died Friday, March 16, 2007, at Northern Montana Hospital after a courageous fight with illness.

Her funeral service will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church with burial in Kuper Memorial Cemetery. Mocky, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, was born June 3, 1926, the sixth child of Finaly and Isabella MacArthur. She graduated from Chinook High School in 1944 and went to work at the Independent Food Store. On March 6, 1955, Mocky married Sam Donis in Chinook. They had three daughters, Carol Ann, Sheila Kay, and Mary LaRayne. The family resided on a farm east of Chinook until 1970, when they sold their interest in the farm and moved into town. Mocky worked as a cook at Harry's Caf and as a home health caregiver until going to work for Bud Bollinger at the IGA, where she worked until her retirement. She was a mainstay at the IGA through many changes in management. Her cheery smile greeted patrons as they walked through the door, and she knew most everyone by name. Everyone became a friend of hers. She had especially fond memories of the time she and Sam spent on the farm during their early marriage. Mocky spent many years as a volunteer 4-H Leader as the girls were growing up and served as 4- H Council secretary. She also acted as co-supervisor with her sister Pat Holman of the 4-H Chuckwagon at the Blaine County Fair for several years. The church always played an important role in Mocky's life, from the time she was young. As a member of First Presbyterian Church, Mocky served as Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir. She was active in Presbyterian Women and served as an elder on the church session. For many years, Mocky acted as church custodian, relinquishing her title when illness made the task difficult for her to complete. Her faith was unwavering and gave her the strength she needed to face many difficult situations. After retirement, Mocky filled her time with many other endeavors. She enjoyed helping out at the Blaine County Museum, volunteering at the Food Pantry and the senior citizens center. Recently, she had sold her house and moved into the Villa, where she enjoyed having coffee with “the girls.” She also enjoyed attending 'Beeter basketball games with her sister Jean Erickson. Mocky was selected as Senior Citizen of the Year in 2003. Nothing gave Mocky greater pleasure than to have the family together. She doted on her grandchildren and took great pride in attending Joe's football games, just chilling with Mike, watching Samantha woo the theatre crowd, and carving pumpkins with Matt. She also had a special place in her for her numerous nieces and nephews. Mocky was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sam; and siblings, Anne Dannis, James MacArthur, Katherine Butler and Madeline Marsonette. Survivors include her daughters, Carol (John) Day Rider of Valier, Sheila (David) Friedrich of Antelope and Mary (Robert) Cooper of Cheney, Wash.; four grandchildren; sisters, Jean Erickson and Pat Holman of Chinook; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Memorials are suggested to the Presbyterian Church, Blaine County 4-H Foundation, the Food Pantry, Blaine County Museum or one's choice. Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.