Valdonna Rae Greenlaw

Longtime Littleton resident, Valdonna “Donna” Rae Greenlaw, age 81, passed away on December 4, 2017 peacefully in her sleep. Donna died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.  She is survived by her husband Kenneth N Greenlaw, Jr., daughter Val Watson, son Kenneth III, grandson Kenneth IV and numerous family and friends around the world.

Donna began her life’s journey in Wanatchee, Washington on December 30, 1935 to parents Jim and Del Coston.  As migrant workers, there was a lot of moving in her childhood.  They moved with the seasons to whatever work was available in the orchards and fields of the depression-era Western United States.  These hardships enabled Donna to tackle any and all obstacles thrown her way throughout the coming years..  They provided the foundation for a life well-lived.

Donna married her one true love, Army officer Kenneth N. Greenlaw, Jr. at age 18, in Salzburg, Austria on September 10, 1953.  This would be the beginning of a wonderful life for Donna and her new husband.  She took full advantage of life’s treasures by traveling the world with Kenn and their two children, Ken the 3rd and Val.  

Army life soon took Donna and her family to Army posts throughout the world and in too many states to list.   Several of the countries in which Donna lived included Mexico, Japan, Austria, Saudia Arabia and Germany.  As her greatest joy in life was her family, she put 100 percent of her life into raising her two children and in supporting her husband’s career by organizing and running the various activities and clubs that are so vital to the success of the military community.  They say that behind every great man, there is a great woman.  They must have been thinking of Donna when this was written because this was her to a “T”. Kenn could have never gotten as far as he did in the Army as a full-bird Colonel without the backing and support of his devoted and loving wife.

Upon Kenn’s retirement in 1977, Donna continued to experience life as a successful entrepreneur.  She owned and operated Hairport One, a hair salon in Cherry Hills for over 15 years.  But, her true love in life was her family.  Raising two teenagers during the turbulent 1960’s and 70’s was no easy feat. But, Donna pulled it off without a hitch and turned out two successful adults.  

Donna and Kenn finally retired from active life in 1994, after Kenn suffered a major heart attack and the subsequent bypass surgery.  They spent their final 24 years together enjoying each other’s company.  Donna touched so many lives in her 81 years and has left her mark on not only her loving family but on those who knew and loved her.  Until we all meet again ........

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