Obituary of Donna Lee DeMark

  Donna Lee Tilton DeMark, 86, passed away surrounded by family May 30, 2023, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s. Donna was born May 22, 1937, in Boise to Maxine and LeRoy Tilton. 

  Donna grew up throughout the Treasure Valley, she often shared fond memories of her time on the farm riding horses, spending time with cousins, and working side by side with her father.    

  Donna attended grade school in Boise and Notus, as well as junior high and high school in Caldwell. During this time, she participated in numerous sports and clubs. She also worked at Canyon Drug making her famous Cherry Phosphate and Quick Curb where she met the love of her life Vernon DeMark.  They were married for over 52 years at the time of his passing. 

  She was a longtime resident and proud citizen of Caldwell where she and Vernon owned and operated DeMark Auto Repair for over sixty years. Donna managed the shop’s finances and handled day-to-day needs. Together Vernon and Donna built a successful family-owned business that continues to serve the Caldwell community. Multiple generations of Donna’s kids and grandkids remember answering the shop phone under her watchful eye or accompanying her to make the daily bank deposit.  

  For more than sixty years, Donna supported her community. She was a devout member of St. Mary’s (Our Lady of the Valley) Catholic parish in Caldwell and enjoyed attending lunches with the local Notus Women’s Group. In addition to her steadfast faith, she supported the church as a member of the Catholic Women’s League and served the church during countless hours of volunteer work. 

  Donna supported the Caldwell School District for decades. She helped Vernon in his many years as a school board member, and supported Caldwell High School athletics as an active member of the booster club. And she took every opportunity to attend basketball, baseball, football, softball, soccer and other athletic events in support of her children and, later, her grandchildren.

  Donna cherished her family with unselfish love and devotion. She loved anything that brought the family together. Her family is blessed to share fond memories of coming together with Donna to enjoy holidays, family picnics, camping, fishing, and their cabin on Lake Cascade. Every family gathering included a feast, where she was famous for her spaghetti and meatballs. 

  Donna was preceded in death by her husband Vernon DeMark, her parents LeRoy and Maxine Tilton, her brother, Dale, and her sister, Karen. She is survived by her brothers Keith (Ramona) Tilton, Gary (Jane) Tilton, her children Lori (Chuck) Stout, Tony (Bonnie) DeMark, and Craig (Becky) DeMark, her grandchildren Christopher (Lauren) Stout, Lisa (Joseph) Pennington, Nicholas (Shealene) Stout, Angela (Matt) Muniz, Michael (Kimberly) DeMark, Miller DeMark, Warren DeMark and 13 great-grandchildren.  

  Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Caldwell at 10:00am Friday, June 9, 2023, followed by a graveside service at Canyon Hill Cemetery. 

  Donna’s family would like to thank the care providers at Enhabit Hospice and Grace Assisted Living who helped bring Donna comfort in her final years.

  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions can be made to the Vernon and Donna DeMark Memorial Scholarship through the Caldwell Foundation for Educational Opportunity (www.cfeo.org). Donations can be made at https://www.cfeo.org/product/vernon-demark-memorial-scholarship-donation/.