Donna Beth Blandford

DeSoto, TX resident, Donna Beth Blandford, died suddenly at home on June 4, 2011. She was 55 years old. She was the beloved wife of Scott Degraffenreid Donna was born on April 19, 1956 in Deming, NM to Robert and Patsy (Robinson) Blandford. She was the oldest of three children blessed to them. She was also an integral part of a large, extended family and was much loved as cousin, niece, aunt, and grandchild. Donna married Scott on May 26, 1996 in the mountains near her childhood home at Lazy Acres Girl Scout Camp near Rye, CO. Donna lived in several places like Deming, NM, Fullerton, CA, and Bowling Green, OH as her father began his teaching career and continued his education. As a young child she loved her dog, Mono, swimming in the tank at the farm, and making trouble with her cousins. In 1965, Donna and her family moved to Pueblo, CO where her father taught at the University of Southern Colorado. She lived there until graduating from Pueblo East High School in 1974. Growing up she was involved in her church, drama productions and girl scouts. As a teenager she worked at Lazy Acres Girl Scout Camp. Each counselor there chose a nickname and that is when she lovingly became “Pokey” to many. After graduation, Donna went to Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. She became a rock-hound there, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. If you have ever traveled with her you know she loved telling about what rock this was and how old that rock was and how they all came to be resting there. She was good at helping you see ordinary things right in front of you in a different way! She also spent one semester abroad, studying and taking in the culture of Sweden, adding “var se gud” forever to her vocabulary. She also used her creativity to make wedding cakes. Upon completion of her college education, Donna got a job in the oil fields with Magobar Oil Company in Casper, WY. She was one female of few in a field full of men and she certainly held her own. She then moved to Denver, Colorado, working, playing and loving life. During her time there she grew close to her little brother, Phil, as they explored Denver, and attended many Denver Stock shows and a few National Finals Rodeos together. At the completion of her time in Denver, after working as an interior designer for a stint, she began work as a career counselor, helping people find their right niche in life and discovering jobs they love. In 1993, Donna moved to Dallas. Here she became part of the life-giving and life-changing Landmark family of friends. During one memorable course, Donna met and fell in love with her remarkable friend and companion, Scott. They have lived, worked, played and celebrated life with many friends and family as a married couple for 15 years until her passing. She was an amazing presence here as she strived to make the most of her life, mentoring, listening, coaching and playing with a vast number of people who came to call her a friend. Donna loved people. She also loved creating things with her hands, cooking and canning, singing and playing her guitar, Christmas, creating with pictures on the computer, going to the lake where her parents live, swimming, reading, parties and talking. Donna was part of a very large family. She was an instrumental member of the family that loves to gather around good food and games. She loved playing Dominos with them- 42 being her game. She also shared laughter, good food, lively discussions and more food once a year at the Annual Blandford Family Reunion. That is one of the many places that she will be particularly missed. Donna is survived by her husband, Scott Degraffenreid, of Dallas, TX; her parents, Bob and Pat Blandford of Conchas Lake, NM; one sister, Laurie Hanson and her husband, Jeff and children, Jonah and Micah of Burlington, CO; the wife of her recently departed brother, Phil Blandford, Barb Blandford and children, Melissa, Maggie, and Todd also of Burlington, CO; sister-in-law, Tina Pfeiler of Arlington, TX and her son, Cruz of Lubbock, TX; bother-in-law, Russell Degraffenreid, of Houston, TX. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her brother, Philip Blandford. The service for Donna will be Friday, June 10th at 6:00 p.m. It will be held at the Landmark Education Center 4901 Spring Valley Road Dallas, TX 75224. At Scott's request, memorial donations may be made to The Phil Blandford Memorial Fund for the Education of Donna's nieces & nephew at Frontier Bank, 107 S. 14th St., Burlington, CO 80807.