Donna Alice Tyndall

donna tyndall

September 20, 1935 ~ May 15, 2023

Born in: Columbus, North Dakotaka

Donna Tyndall, 87, passed away on May 15, 2023, in Arlington, TX.

Donna Alice Tyndall was born on September 20, 1935 in Columbus, North Dakota, to Grace and William Tyndall. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1953 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Minot State Teachers College and a Master’s of Education/Counseling from University of Alaska Anchorage. She started her career as the teacher in a one room rural North Dakota school house for grades 1-8 at age 18; then continued teaching, coaching and counseling in Montana, Oregon, California, and finally Anchorage, Alaska. After 52 years in Anchorage, she moved to Arlington in 2019.
Donna was best known for her love of family and friends, with whom she traveled and visited often. She traveled to Europe several times, Australia, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Hawaii many times. She was adventurous and loved the outdoors; hiking, biking, tennis and downhill and cross country skiing were her favorite sports. Donna also enjoyed yoga (which she would try teach her nieces, nephews and grands) dancing, and reading. She rarely missed watching a Grand Slam tennis event, nor the summer or winter Olympics.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, William and Grace Tyndall, her brother Gene Tyndall, and grand nephew Erik Helseth.

Donna is survived by sisters Millie Rude (husband Floyd) and Cherry Christianson (husband Doug) and their children: Richard Rude (Karen), Robert Rude, Lora Lee Peterson (Marty), Julie Koppelsloen (Jeff), Eric Christianson (Caroline), and Scott Christianson (Jenny). Grands Amanda and Aleah, Jack and Jenna, Taylor, Kate and Luke and Lindsay Lehman (Blake). Great grands are Liam and Hudson.

A Celebration of Life service for Donna Tyndall will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 2 pm at Wade Funeral Home, at 4140 West Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX 76013. Rev. Dr. Chris Hayes of First United Methodist Church Arlington, where Donna was a member, will officiate.

Her ashes will be interred at Short Creek Cemetery in Columbus, ND this summer beside her brother Gene and her parents and grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to one of Donna’s favorite charities, St. Jude Childrens Hospital or locally, Arlington Urban Ministries.

Services

Celebration of Life: May 23, 2023 2:00 pm

Room: Chapel

Wade Funeral Home and Crematory
4140 West Pioneer Parkway
Arlington, Texas 76013

(817)274-9233
wadefamilyfuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Donna was one of those people that made each one of her loved ones feel like they were the most special one. I have so many good memories of all the things she did with and for me and my kids. She was the most agile 87 year old I’ve ever met. I know she’s in heaven leading a bike tour or playing tennis with all of her loved ones that preceded her. I shared a love of books with her. I’ll never go to another wedding, without thinking of how we were roommates at the hotel. I’m going to miss my special auntie, but I’m at peace knowing I’ll see her again in Jesus’ house!

  2. I have so many fond memories of Donnie. What an amazing sister and Aunt she was. She was always so adventurous. I have loved all your pictures together over the years. Maynthe Lord comfort your hearts during this time.

  3. Donna was one of those angels who came to bless us here in Texas after she had already blessed thousands of others in North Dakota, Alaska and other far-flung adventurous locales. Her smile warmed our hearts. Her gentleness taught us kindness and love. She was a pioneer, an athlete, a strong and active woman and as tough as a $2 steak. She will be missed, but always remembered.

    • Donna was a remarkable woman, loving, generous, independent, caring, fun and feisty. My dear friend for 55 years. In that time we never had a single disagreement. We shared ice skating, hiking, biking, meals, friends, glasses of wine, books, ideas, classes, faculty meetings, trips to Hawaii, and the kind of laughter that keeps one healthy through life. She was always there for me & others with a kind ear and some positive wisdom. And if she thought a correction was called for, she was first to offer a gentle confrontation. I have no doubt you have joined the angels, Donna, because you always were one! I miss you, but you will remain forever in my heart.

  4. We do have some happy memories of Donna. Always enjoyed our social events with her. Beautiful smile, warm and friendly. We celebrated super bowl and Cinco De Mayo with her the last few years she was in Anchorage. We missed her when she left and now more than ever. Rest In Peace Donna!

  5. I feel very lucky to be able to call Donna my friend. We met in Alaska 30 years ago on the tennis courts. Donna was always up for a new adventure, often at the drop of a hat. Whether it was attending a play at the local theater, going for a bike ride on the Coastal Trail, heading to Seward for a whale watch boat ride, or traveling north to enjoy the funky town of Talkeetna, she was ready to have fun. And we did have a lot fun doing all those things and many more. Donna – you are a one-of-a-kind and I am honored to have known you!

  6. Dear family of Donna,

    Donna was a delight! Cheerful face all the time. I met her at Overture Highlands in Arlington, Texas. She loved the spa at the pool, and I visited with her on many occasions. Her spirit was awesome and a beautiful lady. May each of you find peace in the coming days.

    Sincerely,
    Catherine Covington

  7. My memories of Donna are filled with fun and laughter. In Anchorage, AK we biked, hiked, ice skated, xc skied, and played tennis with gusto! When she visited me in Reno, NV we kayaked, played tennis, and walked by the Truckee River. She was a sweet, compassionate, and adventurous friend for many years. We didn’t see each other after she relocated to Arlington, TX but remained in contact by phone and text, chatting about our new stage of life as we traveled down memory lane. I will miss that until we meet again my dear friend.


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