Donna Jean Phinney

Phinney, Donna J. (Lucas) Age 64: On March 30, 2016, Donna passed away into the gates of heaven while being surrounded by her closest family members. Her spirit will be carried on by many, but especially by her loving husband of 39 years, Dwayne Phinney, and her two daughters Traci Stussi (husband Michael) and Lori Divilbiss (husband Steve); two sons Travis and Darin (wife Bambi); and 9 grandchildren. Donna was born on March 1, 1952 in Moscow, ID to Thelma and Virgil Lucas. Donna was raised in Palouse, WA with her late brother, Gordon (Toby) Lucas, who passed on from the same Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer over 35 years ago. Donna graduated from Palouse High School in 1970. Donna later moved to the Spokane area where she resided for over 40 years. She always had a passion for smiles and dentistry. After working as a dental assistant herself, she later became the program director and instructed Dental Assisting at the Spokane Community College beginning in 1982. Besides this, she also was the Department Chair of the Allied Health Division. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Eastern Washington University and her Masters Degree in Counseling from Whitworth University. One of Donna’s greatest achievements was to co-author a major textbook package for Dental Assisting, now in its 4th edition. She held office representing dental assistants locally in Spokane, and both at state and national levels. She has been a featured speaker both nationally and internationally as well. Besides her love for dentistry, what she loved most – was spending time with her family. Donna loved relaxing at their river house on the Pend Oreille River just out of Newport. She also loved reading, dining out, and shopping – especially for shoes! Donna was always welcoming and generous to others. Amongst her many other favorite activities where watching the Zags play basketball and attending Broadway Musicals. A service with a reception to follow will be held at Calvary Spokane on Saturday, April 16th at 11am, located at 511 W. Hastings Road. A graveside service will be held on the same day at the Newport Cemetery for family members and close friends at 3pm. Visitations may be made prior to her service at Riplinger Funeral Home located at 4305 N. Division on Mon., Tues., and Wed. from 9am – 8pm. Because the family is so passionate about educating others on alternative cancer treatments, please visit www.thetruthaboutcancer.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the “No Stomach For Cancer Inc.” Please visit www.nostomachforcancer.org The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and prayers.