Boom City brings to mind images of fireworks stands, delicious food, and evening pyrotechnic shows. But there is a culture of entrepreneurship at the foundation of the yearly fireworks market. From the youth who run food to and from concessions, to the stand owners and operators, everyone who works at Boom City is building an entrepreneurial mindset.
While all stand owners are Tulalips, only two wholesalers are. “Big John” and Lenetta Rivera, along with their daughter Roslyn, and George and Sonia Sohappy provide wholesale fireworks to stand owners.
Selling wholesale fireworks involves sourcing bulk products for resale. In addition to knowledge of pyrotechnics and permit requirements, wholesalers themselves need to buy from reputable distributors and then offer competitive prices.
Inspired by the price differences tribal members were being charged by other wholesalers at the time, “Big John” and Lenetta wanted to offer a higher-quality, cheaper product to their customers. Opening shop in 2007 under the previous name, Brickhouse Wholesale Fireworks, Sky High Fireworks is currently a thriving business at Boom City, offering a variety of products to its customers.
“I can give the best prices because I cut out the middlemen,” said “Big John.”
Sharing the same community values as her parents, Rozlynn, daughter of “Big John” and Sonia, is transitioning into a leadership role to ensure the business’s success in the years to come.
And speaking of success, growing up on the Reservation with a love of Boom City, “Geo” began his career early on by picking up cigarette butts for money. He moved on to delivering fireworks for wholesalers, to working in a firework stand, to eventually owning one.
In 2006, “Geo” and Sonia opened Pacific Northwest Pyro Wholesale, and have watched it grow considerably by serving Tulalip and six other locations. They currently have eight storage containers at Boom City, offering everything their clients need to fill their stands.
“Geo” hopes to pass the business down to his children. And his advice to young entrepreneurs? “Dream big”.
Both wholesalers offer lower prices and lines of credit to their clients. Boom City is located at 10274 27th Ave NE, Tulalip, WA 98271, and is open every day from 6 a.m. to midnight until July 4.
Edward Ray Weaselhead was born on December 9, 1965, in Ukiah, California, to Edward Ray Weaselhead Hayes Sr. and Eleanor Elaine Enick, affectionately known as “Christine.” On June 19, 2026, Edward was called home to be with the Creator in Toppenish, Washington.
Edward will be remembered for his warm smile, infectious sense of humor, and the kindness he shared with everyone he met. He lived a life centered on love, family, and friendship. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. We ask that you remember Edward not for the way his life ended, but for the way he lived with compassion, laughter, and an unwavering love for his family and friends.
Edward is lovingly survived by his children, Ray Britton, Edward Weaselhead, Waylon Weaselhead, adopted daughter Blessing Afterbuffalo, and his adopted son, Joey. He is also survived by his longtime partner, Jeannie Afterbuffalo; his sisters, Edwina Weaselhead (Oscar), Laurie, Davette, and brother Steven Weaselhead-Hayes; his brother, Darwin Weaselhead; his nephews, Jake (Ofelia), Grover, and Brett; and his nieces, Ashley, Christina, Shelby, Nona, and Jeannie.
He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jalena, Tyler, Ruppert, Aloysius, Devon, Valen, Drearon, Dream, Laila Britton, and Nomiah Britton. He is further survived by his aunties, Edith, Gina, Phyllis, and Connie; his uncle, Darrell; along with many cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends.
Throughout his life, Edward worked for Wheeler Logging, Safeway, Walmart, Shari’s Restaurant, and in the orchards throughout the Yakima Valley. He was a talented artist who loved to draw, enjoyed playing basketball, found peace in running and jogging, and was a devoted Seattle Seahawks fan who rarely missed the opportunity to cheer on his favorite team.
Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Ray Weaselhead Hayes Sr. and Eleanor Elaine Enick (“Christine”), his stepmother, Judy Hayes, his sister Marquel Dela Cruz, his beloved daughter, Raenelle Weaselhead, granddaughter Riyan, nephews Marshall Britton, Sky Weaselhead, and William Bettega, niece Tana Arthur, as well as his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many other beloved family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life honoring Edward Ray Weaselhead will be held at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home, located at 804 State Avenue, Marysville, Washington 98270. A viewing will take place on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Following the funeral service, family and friends will proceed to Tulalip Cemetery, where Edward will be laid to rest beside his beloved mother, Eleanor Elaine Enick, affectionately known as “Christine.”
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered their love, prayers, support, and kindness during this difficult time. Your compassion and presence mean more than words can express.
At the heart of the Evergreen State College campus stands the House of Welcome’s cultural arts center. For the last 30 years, this center has affirmed Native arts and cultures by providing a space for customary practices to be transferred across generations.
In celebration of the center’s 30th anniversary, the House of Welcome partnered with the Washington State Historical Society to organize the first In The Spirit Festival and Art Show. This stunning show was hosted at the Tacoma Art Museum and was an incredible opportunity for 30 Native artists who represented 27 regional tribes.
The life of their artworks embodied creation, stories, land connections, and history rooted in living traditions.
“Our In The Spirit collection includes artworks ranging from customary (the gatherers of natural materials, who practice labor-intensive warping and weaving) to contemporary (technically proficient techniques used to create designs and symbolism),” explained program specialist Mary Kummer (Makah). “Together, they highlight the beauty of their culture and traditions while honoring all that is sacred and of creation.”
Urban Spirit, Bill Pfeifer Digital Illustration, Acrylic Print
“Urban Spirit” reflects a journey of rewilding after leaving the city – torn between its energy and a natural place in the woods. It captures the push and pull of longing for urban life while embracing the quiet strength of my Tlingit roots. Though I carry lessons from the metropolis, the forests call me home. This piece embodies the balance between past and present, tradition and modernity, solitude and connection. I feel my offering to the world these days is to make art accessible to the next generation. I started my own company, Formline Evolved, to encompass my love of cartoons, comic books, and video games. My goal as an artist is to always be experimenting with new methods and pushing at the boundaries of our traditional artforms.The Gathering, Dylan Sanidad Red Cedar, Acrylic Paint
“I am Seattle born and raised Alaska Native artist with Haida, Tlingit, Tsimshian and Filipino roots. I began my journey as an artist began 2018. I left my career as an aerospace mechanic to pursue my passion to craft and revitalize traditional art. Through the guidance of Tsimshian master carver, David Boxley, I have been able to refine my techniques to carve, paint and cultivate pieces of my own. Through my art I envision bringing awareness of my culture through the creations of indigenous art while bringing in elements of modern concepts to tell my own stories. Traditional masks, staffs, rattles, paddles, bowls, trays, and regalia are only some of the favorites I enjoy creating. I am proud that our culture was resurrected for my generation, and I want to help continue grow the artwork to new heights for generations to come.”Salish Huckleberry Dancer Shaadootlaa Tinaayeil Iyall Merino wool warp & weft, Woven merino wool strap, Dyed salmon leather, Natural smoked moosehide, Cotton, Ermine hides, Trade beads, crystals, and abalone buttons.
Shaadootlaa is a woman of many talents. She is a traditional herbalist, a weaver, a beader, a sewer, a tattooist, a singer, a dancer, a storyteller, a teacher, and a student, among other things. This woven piece honors Coast Salish design and the natural color palettes of treasured huckleberries, blending traditional materials with mathematically precise weaving. It features two-color All Our Ancestors & Lightning twining with the concentric Haida tattoo designs framed with spiraling weft designs of octopus hugs patterns. Crafted with S-twist merino wool warp and hand-dyed weft in shades of huckleberry.Copper Ravenstail Collar Sydney Akagi Merino wool and copper cones
Sydney’s work as a weaver began as an interest in fiber arts and has revealed itself as a vital part of healing her identity with her Tlingit culture. During her journey into traditional Tlingit Northwest Coast Arts, Akagi was introduced to Ravenstail weaving and later Chilkat. She is also a professional photographer. The color and tones she uses to draw are inspired by the warm moody colors found in Southeast Alaska. In her textile and dyes, the materials she uses are all sustainable, foraged and sourced from its lush summer forests and sleeping winter wonderland.Dáku Arts Becky Quinlan Hand-dug, hand processed clay
Becky is a Caddo Nation citizen, artist, and geographer with a passion for preserving and revitalizing Indigenous culture and knowledge. Living in Washington State, Becky is the owner of Dáku Arts, which features her traditional and contemporary pottery, and works as an independent contractor in GIS and Remote Sensing. She creates her works in the traditional way: hand dug, hand processed clay; hand coiled and shaped; stone burnished and open pit-fired. Her etched and incised designs combine traditional themes with inspiration from the natural environment of the Caddo homelands. “This artform was virtually lost until we had one Caddo potter, Jeri Redcorn, revive it in the 1990s. She taught Chase Earles who offered a year-long class to interested Caddo Nation members. That’s where I learned the art form, from Chase. I always wanted to connect more with my tribe and my ancestors. By using their same methods of harvesting by hand, processing by hand, and etching by hand, I really feel that sense of connection.”Game of Telephone Cynthia Masterson Czech glass seed beads / found objects
Oklahoma-born Seattle resident Cynthia Masterson bead weaves using deep knowledge of a misunderstood technique inconsistently called gourd or peyote. With grit and a VHS tape she taught herself to bead in 2003 and is working to document sixteen different ways to do this stitch. Her art combines writing, everyday objects and beadwork, creating assemblages with stories reacting to current events, loss of language, and time. “I used a vintage candlestick telephone, a Westen Electric for those old enough to remember such things, that was restored by Old Phone Shop in Canada. They rewired it to make it a working landline telephone, or, as it’s being used here, it can be hooked up via Bluetooth to any cell phone to make or receive calls. “I’m also using the phone to demonstrate two off-loom weaving styles that can be used for cylinder-shaped objects. One style is a 3 drop and the other style is a 2 drop. Both are interchangeably referred to as Peyote stitch.”
Get ready for some summer fun as the Pride celebration returns to Tulalip on Sunday, July 12. Whether you’re attending for the first time or are a continued supporter, this year’s United in Love event offers something for everyone, while celebrating diversity and the values of equality and inclusion to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Tribal member Lauw-ya Spencer explained that the event aims to bring awareness and visibility to the 2SLGBTQ+ movement. It is a welcoming space for individuals to express their identities and a safe space, especially for those who may face challenges in feeling accepted. “Everybody is allowed to be themselves,” said Lauw-ya.
United in Love is sponsored by The Problem Gambling Program and will be held at the Gathering Hall from 1-4pm. Festivities will include MC Holli B. Sinclair, featured speaker and comedian Jenelle Niles, and music by DJ Auntie Monie, along with food, a prize giveaway, interactive contests, a photo booth, and games for all ages.
According to Tulalip tribal member Shaneenia Spencer, “The giveaway will include caps, socks, and more.” A single strap bag with a rainbow and feather logo will also be part of the giveaway, which Shaneenia described as “pretty cool.”
DJ Monie Ordonia, who has been providing energetic sounds since the first Pride event in 2021, said, “Tulalip Pride is informational as well as entertaining; it’s fun for the whole family.”
A Coastal Jam, featuring the Blue Lightning Canoe Family from Lummi, will immediately follow the Pride celebration from 4-7pm. The jam is what makes this event different from past Pride celebrations. Lauw-ya and Shaneenia came up with the idea to draw in more people.
Organizers hope that the annual Pride event will continue to grow each year, getting bigger and better as more families, friends, and allies continue to come together in a spirit of acceptance and celebration.
The Tulalip Tribes were prominently featured during the 94th Annual Strawberry Festival Grand Parade on Saturday, June 20, as thousands of spectators lined State Street in downtown Marysville to celebrate one of Snohomish County’s most beloved summer traditions.
This year’s parade carried special significance for Tulalip as Board of Directors Chairman Hazen Shopbell was recognized during the event. Riding through the parade route in a vintage convertible, Chairman Shopbell waved to the crowd as community members and visitors applauded his leadership and service to the Tulalip Tribes.
Also representing Tulalip was 2026 Strawberry Festival Queen Mone’t Clemens. The Tulalip tribal member rode atop a strawberry-themed float, greeting spectators throughout the parade route. As Strawberry Festival Queen, Clemens has spent the past year serving as an ambassador for both Marysville and Tulalip while participating in community events across the region.
Representing the Tulalip Senior Center, King Billy Fryberg and Queen Sharleen Fryberg rode through downtown Marysville, receiving cheers and waves from the crowd.
Throughout the morning, Tulalip’s presence was evident in a variety of parade entries. Tulalip Bay Fire Department crews showcased their equipment and greeted families from aboard a ladder truck, while local youth participated with marching bands, cheerleading, and community organizations.
For generations, the Strawberry Festival has brought together residents from Marysville, Tulalip, and communities throughout Snohomish County. This year’s parade once again showcased the strong connection between the neighboring communities while highlighting the pride and participation of Tulalip tribal members of all ages.
Laughter filled the room, cameras flashed, and proud families packed the tables in the Tulalip Casino Orca Ballroom as graduating seniors gathered for a night dedicated to celebrating their achievements. Surrounded by friends, relatives, and supporters, the students took center stage as the community came together to recognize the hard work, determination, and perseverance that helped them reach this important milestone.
Serving as master of ceremonies for the evening was Deyamonta Diaz, Positive Youth Development Manager for the Tulalip Education Division. The banquet began with a prayer from Lilly Jefferson followed by a song from culture bearer, Tony Hatch.
Hatch reflected on the journey that brought students to graduation and reminded them to recognize the people who helped them along the way. “Look around your table. These are the people that have been in your canoe. From the time you started kindergarten until now. They have been in your canoe pulling, trying to make sure you get to your destination, which is graduation. It’s not been easy; there have been rough waters. There’s been times where you thought your canoe was tipping over, but guess what, you held on to your paddles, you righted your canoe and you kept digging, you kept paddling and you made it. Class of 2026, you did it and we are really proud of you today.”
Tulalip Board of Directors Secretary, Theresa Sheldon, reminded graduates that every accomplishment strengthens the community as a whole. “Every single Tulalip, every single Native, and Indigenous person who builds themselves up, builds up their mind, builds up their body, you are contributing to all of us. It’s a collective. So, as each of you advances into who you are born to be, who you were prayed for, and who you are meant to be, that makes the Tulalip Tribes better.”
Sheldon also urged graduates to take advantage of educational opportunities available through the Tribe. “We really are grateful that our tribe has a college program set up for you. I hope all of you are going to apply to a vocational school, technical school, or college. I hope you shine so bright your sisters and brothers need sunglasses.”
Jessica Bustad, Executive Director of the Tulalip Education Division, recognized both the graduates and the families who helped them reach this point. “Our 2026 graduates have worked hard to be here. It feels good to see how many family members are in the room to support and uplift our graduates. You are valuable, you are resilient. Always honor who you are and where you came from, honor your family and your ancestors, and make sure you know that there is power in who you are as an Indigenous student.”
Representing the graduating class, Marysville Pilchuck graduate Dillon Turner reflected on the challenges shared by the Class of 2026. “Every single person sitting here has faced challenges that nobody else fully understands. We’ve all had moments that haven’t gone according to plan. Yet somehow together we made it. We’ve survived tests, essays, presentations, group projects where somehow one person mysteriously did all the work and mornings where getting out of bed felt like the hardest assignment of them all. Despite all of that we are here.”
Fellow graduate Mone’t Clemens spoke about overcoming stereotypes and recognizing the strength of Indigenous people. “As Tulalip tribal members, as Native Americans, and as Indigenous people we often face stereotypes, barriers, and expectations placed upon us by others. Too often, people focus on what we cannot do rather than recognizing what we are capable of achieving. Yet, the people in this room are proof that those expectations do not define us. That hard work is stronger than stereotypes, and that our futures are ours to create. Being Tulalip is not only an honor and a privilege, it also means that we come from resilient, loving people who have overcome challenges for generations.”
During the banquet, Lilly Fryberg received the 2026 Indian Parent Education Committee Scholarship Award, while Emmarrie Davis was recognized as the Female Tulalip Scholar of the Year.
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Vina Brown, founder of Copper Canoe Woman, a scholar pursuing her PhD in Indigenous Studies at the University of Alaska and co-founder of Rooted Resiliency. Brown encouraged graduates to remember that their value is not determined by accomplishments alone, reminding them that, “Our worth is not something that we earn, it is something that we remember and come back to.”
Brown closed the evening by sharing her own journey toward healing and self-discovery. “For much of my life, I thought healing was something that happened after you achieved your goals. I thought that if I worked hard enough, got an education, and helped enough people, that eventually I would arrive somewhere and be at peace. But recently I realized something important. I have become very good at carrying responsibilities, expectations, other people’s needs, and the hopes and dreams of my family and community. I spent so much time trying to take care of everybody else, I forgot to take care of myself.
“So I made one of the hardest choices, to step away and focus on my own healing. During this healing journey, I discovered that I was never meant to carry everything alone. I learned that healing is not selfish, rest is not weakness, and asking for help is not failure. Most importantly, I learned that culture is not something I have to carry by myself. Culture is carrying me. My ancestors are carrying me, my teachers, my language, my community were all carrying me. Just as they carried my granny, just as they carried my parents, and just as they will carry all of you graduates.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2026, you did this. Something deep inside you showed up and did this. Be proud of that, take some time to celebrate yourself. We are all proud of you and can’t wait to see what you do next.
June brought with it a sight that would have filled the hearts of Tulalip’s ancestors with immense pride. As the summer morning sun cast its gentle light over Tulalip Bay, hundreds gathered at the Longhouse to renew a sacred agreement that has bound our people to the salmon since time immemorial. Families arrived dressed in regalia, elders greeted relatives and friends, and generations stood side-by-side in preparation for one of the most important cultural gatherings of the year, Salmon Ceremony.
“Salmon Ceremony is about giving respect to those that come from nature,” explained ceremony coordinator and Board of Director, Glen Gobin. “But it also teaches us about giving respect throughout life and honoring those gifts that we get. Respecting our way of life in a good way means making sure we sing the songs, conduct ourselves properly, and teach the next generation how to carry themselves in life. All of the songs we sing here today have meaning. They teach us everything is connected and encourage the people to carry themselves in a good way.”
Among the many beautiful moments witnessed throughout the day, one stood out above all others. The Longhouse was filled with representatives of the newest generation. Babies cradled in their parents’ arms. Toddlers taking in the sights with wide-eyed wonder. Young dancers eager to join the circle. Many were experiencing their very first Salmon Ceremony. For others, it was their first time ever stepping inside the Tulalip Longhouse.
And still, throughout the songs, blessings, teachings, and dancing, an extraordinary calm settled over the gathering. Not a single cry interrupted the ceremony. No restless outbursts. No fits or tantrums.
Instead, the youngest generation appeared completely captivated by the sounds surrounding them. The steady heartbeat of the drums echoed through the cedar-planked walls while songs filled the air. It was as if those songs, carried forward through generations, were reaching the ears of the little ones and reminding them exactly where they belonged.
In a world often filled with noise and distraction, the scene was striking. Babies rested peacefully while singers lifted their voices. Young children sat quietly beside grandparents, absorbing teachings that have survived centuries of change. The ancestors’ songs seemed to soothe them in a way words cannot fully explain.
“All these little faces with their great big smiles bring me so much happiness,” reflected Sarah Hart. “They actually remind me of when I first started participating in Salmon Ceremony when I was 4 or 5-years-old. Back then it meant everything to be up there next to my dad, uncle Marvin, and uncle Stan as they drummed and led the people with the songs. It still means the world to me whenever I have the opportunity to drum next to my dad.
“Submerging our kids in the culture is the best way we can preserve our culture because through the next generation is how the teachings are passed on,” she continued. “By introducing the young ones early their spirits are calmed because this is where they are meant to be. They are meant to know the inside of the Longhouse. They are meant to know our songs and dances. They are meant to be a part of their Tribe.”
To Sarah’s point, the presence of so many young ones proved that Salmon Ceremony is about more than honoring the first salmon. It is also about ensuring that each new generation inherits the teachings, responsibilities, and identity of the Tulalip people. That connection between generations was matched by another connection that made itself known throughout the entire gathering.
High above the Longhouse, eagles circled overhead. Time and again, participants paused to notice the majestic birds soaring against the sky. Their calls rang out across Tulalip Bay, creating a natural accompaniment to the songs being sung below. As drummers kept rhythm inside the circle, the eagles seemed to offer songs of their own from above.
The salmon arrive each year from the waters of the Salish Sea to fulfill their side of an agreement generations old. The eagles watch from above, dependent upon those same waters and salmon runs for survival. The people gather in the Longhouse to honor the gifts provided by the natural world and renew their commitment as caretakers.
Everything is connected. From the salmon swimming through Tulalip Bay to the eagles soaring above the shoreline. From the cedar used to build the Longhouse to the songs gifted by the ancestors. From the elders carrying decades of knowledge to the babies experiencing the ceremony for the very first time.
Four-month-old Kashton Marchesi, who became the newest enrolled Tulalip tribal member just 24-hours earlier, was one of those babies experiencing the sights and sounds of his very first Salmon Ceremony. He was nestled in the loving arms of his mom, Jasmine, who beamed with pride.
“One year ago, I was pregnant at Salmon Ceremony. I was so excited knowing I’d be back with my baby, and here we are,” shared Jasmine. “There are so many littles here this year. It’s just amazing to see the parents and families making sure their babies are contributing to the culture.
“Kashton is already so used to the drum that he managed to sleep peacefully through several ceremony practices,” added the twenty-three-year-old. “It’s just one aspect of making sure he’s immersed in our culture. Another is, I’ve been learning Lushootseed and doing my best to practice it by speaking to him. I’m just so excited to think of his future. I can already imagine him being a part of the Warrior Song and speaking Lushootseed.”
Salmon Ceremony remains a living reminder that Tulalip’s relationship with the natural world is not one of ownership, but of responsibility. That teaching has endured through generations since the ceremony’s revival in the 1970s, when cultural leaders including Harriette Shelton Dover, Bernie “Kai Kai” Gobin, Stan and Joann Jones, Molly Hatch, and Mariah Moses helped restore the tradition after years of suppression. Their vision was to ensure that future generations would know these songs, understand these teachings, and continue honoring the salmon people.
Looking around the Longhouse this year, that vision was clearly alive and thriving. In those moments, surrounded by family, culture, and creation itself, the teachings of Salmon Ceremony felt as alive as ever.
Donna Lee Paul (Herbst), age 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Tulalip, WA, on June 10, 2026. Born on November 20, 1946, in Iowa, Donna lived a life dedicated to her family, her work, and the many passions that brought her joy.
On August 6, 1966, Donna married the love of her life, Orland K. Paul, in Reno, Nevada. Together, they built a beautiful life and family founded on love and mutual devotion.
In the first half of her life, Donna was a familiar, welcoming face to many in her community, working as a waitress at the Beachcomber in Port Orchard and VIP’s in Bremerton, Washington. In 1993, together with Orland and Carter, she brought her sharp mind and love for cards to a new career as a poker dealer at the Tulalip Casino, where she worked skillfully until her retirement.
Outside of work, Donna was a woman of many talents and hobbies. She was incredibly skilled with her hands, spending countless hours sewing, crocheting, and knitting. She had a passion for puzzles and playing numerous card games, and she rarely missed an episode of her favorite TV show, Jeopardy. She was also a self proclaimed, legendary backseat driver, a trait her family will fondly remember. Donna had a mad crush on Elvis Presley and loved listening to him and Merle Haggard.
Donna and Orland shared a deep love for traveling together on cruises. Above all, Donna’s greatest joy came from her family; she loved taking her grandchildren on vacations and creating unforgettable memories with them. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren truly fulfilled her life, and she cherished every single moment spent in their company.
Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orland K. Paul; her parents, Victor and Dorothy Herbst; her son, Carter R. L. Paul; her sisters, Vicky Goodman and Jackie Graham; and her nieces, Starla D. Hauser and Desa Calafiore.
She leaves behind a large, loving family who will carry on her memory. She is survived by her son, Stormmy V. Paul (Nichole Hendricks); her daughter, Dusty D. Blankenship; and David Lee Blankenship I, who remained a true son in law in her heart, and Jeff Simpson.
Donna was the proud grandmother of Chelsea Miller (Ryan), SummerLee Blankenship, David Lee Blankenship II, Marlee Faye Paul, Carter Paul II, Stormmy LaMarr Blankenship (Sophiea), Haley M. Blankenship, Kyler Alvis, Baily Alvis, Corbin Sims, and Francis Sheldon.
She was the doting great grandmother of Cruz Santinanez II, Kingston Miller, Marcus Miller, Nizhoni Phair, Taylene Paul, and was eagerly anticipating the arrival of David L. Blankenship III this July. She also leaves behind her fiercely loved and faithful Rottweiler, Baby Paul.
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, there will be a noon service at Schaefer-Shipman, where she will then be escorted home one last time, followed by a dinner/gathering at Donna’s home from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Donna’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Tulalip Gathering Hall, located at 7512 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip, Washington, 98271. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
