DONNA SUE VAWTER
November 10, 1946 – May 13, 2022
Donna Sue Vawter, 75, passed away May 13, 2022 at her home with family at her side in Bakersfield, California.
Born Donna Sue Gough to Louise and Calvin Gough on November 10, 1946, in Delano, California. Donna was a lifelong resident of Kern County, eventually retiring from the Bakersfield City School District after a long career as a bus driver. On August 2, 1963, Donna married Donald Vawter Jr., and they were together the day she passed away 59 years later. Donna cherished the roles that would define and give meaning to her life: Mom and then Grams. She had two children, Donnie and Karen. Karen and her husband, Tony, would give her two grandchildren Ryan Len Stevens and Chelsea Louise Stevens. Donnie and his wife, Tammy, would give her two more grandchildren, Donald James “DJ” Vawter and Dayna Marie Vawter. She loved her kids and her grandkids unconditionally and with all her might until her very last breath and still to this moment. She had a unique relationship with each of them, to fit the unique people they are. She loved giving them gifts to fit them specifically. And she loved pictures, printed pictures, of them and all her friends and family. She didn't want to forget any of her moments with her family and friends.
Donna loved words. She was an avid reader of fiction. There is really no way to even guess the number of novels she read. She loved puns and word play and scrabble and crossword puzzles. She loved inspirational quotes and affirmations. She sought her own personal spiritual connection and experience until the end. She traveled throughout the US and Europe and yearned for more, much more. She was a nifty decorator and a snappy dresser. Oh, and Go Dodgers! She had a few quirks: she was afraid of drive-thrus and letting the gas gauge get below halfa-tank. And she hated words with silent letters because, well, silent letters are just dumb.
Donna is survived by her husband Donald, children, Donald Calvin Vawter and Karen Sue Stevens (who was also her very best friend), her precious grandchildren, Ryan, Chelsea, DJ and Dayna, her brother Dan Gough, her sister Mary Davis, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louise and Calvin, and brother Donald Gough.
The family would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Debbie McDowell FNP for the loving care and support of Donna. And thank you to Nurse Khushpreet at Traditions Hospice.
Services will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3700 River Blvd., Bakersfield, California at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 21, 2022. Attendees are not encouraged to bring or send flowers, but if you must - she loved lilies in a way that can't be put into words. www.bakersfield.com/obits