Donna (Christiansen) Umback of Fairview, MT was born November 17, 1956, to Alma (Gustafson) and Marion Christiansen. She grew up on the family farm northwest of Fairview and was the second of five children. Donna attended 1st through 12th grade at Fairview School, graduating from FHS in 1975. She went on to Beauty School in Miles City, MT. Her return to Fairview after completing her education led to an introduction to Randy Umback at the Triangle Night Club in Sidney. The couple dated for one year before uniting in marriage on August 20, 1977, at Zion Church. They were blessed with two children: daughter Rachel and son Zachery. Donna was welcomed by the Lord into Paradise on Thursday, March 23, 2023, with the occasion celebrated by a spectacular display of the northern lights that evening.

Donna had a knack for making everyone around her feel loved. She didn’t have to say the words to make you know she cared for you. She showed it to you in her actions, and you especially felt it when she gave you her big Donna hugs “Ooo ahh, love you”. She worked for many years at KD’s Cut & Curl and the Hair Force making the whole town look their best. She also spent the last 10 years working at the Oasis Casino. Even if you didn’t have luck on the machine, you hit the jackpot by just walking in and spending the evening with her. Donna was raised a farm kid and continued being part of this Ag community by driving beet truck for 25 years. One of Donna’s favorite pastimes was playing in a pool league where she made many friends from surrounding towns. She loved the sunshine and working in her flower beds. She never ever complained about the heat but would occasionally say it was getting a little toasty out - never that it was hot.

Donna was rarely seen without a Dr. Pepper in her hand, a smile on her face, and flip flops on her feet. One of her very favorite trips was to Hawaii because sunshine, sand, and seashells made her heart smile. It didn’t take much to please Donna. So many things brought her joy, but nothing brought more pride than her family. She loved her kids fiercely, was so proud of them and made sure they knew it. She was Rachel’s biggest cheerleader and Zach’s #1 roadie. She loved listening to Zach play a gig & went to every show she could. Her grandchildren were the lights of her life. She wore the grandma title proudly and made sure every one of them knew how much she adored them. She even became “Grandma Donna” to many of the grandkid’s friends.

She had so much strength. Even in the depths of her battle with cancer, her courage and grace were unparalleled. Her last Facebook post was a quote that reads, “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind. “ Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.” Goodness, kindness, tenderheartedness, that will be your earthly legacy, and for the rest of our days we will miss you. We thank God we’re able to know that someday you will greet us in Paradise.

Donna is survived by her husband of 45 years, Randy; daughter, Rachel (Stevie) Andrews; son, Zach (Brittany) Umback; grandchildren, Hallie and Grady Andrews and Kyra, Axel, Zaven, and Nash Umback; Mother, Alma Christiansen; siblings, Rodger (Debbie) Christiansen, Diane Miller, MaryAnn (Darin) Danielson, and Richard (Cindy) Christiansen; sister-in-law Linda Posivio; brother-in-law Rick Umback; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends that she considered family.

She is preceded in death by her father, Marion Christiansen; in-laws, George and Alice Umback; aunts, Annie Christiansen and Ida Vertner; uncle, Jimmy Christiansen; brother-in-law, Don Posivio; numerous other aunts and uncles; and several nephews.