Obituary of Ross Doner

Ross .K. Doner 1917 ~ 2020 Lived 102 Years Ross Doner went to be with His Lord on January 20th, 2020 at the age of 102 years. He is survived by his daughter Laura (Larry) McDonald and his son, Keith Doner as well as 5 step-children: Nettie Karg, Butch Hunter, Dianne Beck, Rick (Nancy) McKenzie and Carol (Tony) Manger and their extended families. Ross,in spite of growing up in a Christian home, surrounded by every reminder of the Love of God, rebelled against God for more than half of his 102 years. Ross was born on December 30, 1917, to Reuben Archibald and Laura Doner near Kindersley, Sask. Reuben was a “small time” farmer with a large family. Five girls and three boys. Every week Reuben took his family to church and strictly led them in the ways of the Lord. Three daughters, Elima, Verna, and Ethel dedicated their lives as missionaries to Rhodesia, Haiti and Home office. Ross was the second youngest; but had no interest in the things of God. As the Great Depression of the 1930’s hit western Canada, Ross left the farm to work for a part time farmer and part time preacher, Namen Cliemenhagen. At age 17 he handled a team of 10 horses on a 21 foot disker. Namen paid him only $15.00 per month for a 12 hour day. Although he paid others $25.00. He took advantage of Ross’s youth. Likely this was a testimony to Ross, cementing his resolve to have nothing to do with this man’s religion. Ross met Olive McKenzie in 1954. She had been married to Steve McKenzie and had seven children. Ross wasn’t much of a husband before he was saved, but he occasionally gave the family some money. Two children were born of this relationship: Laura and Keith. In February 1968, Olive divorced Ross. Ross’s drinking habits had driven her away. Ross had reached the bottom of his own efforts. One day he was sitting on a log when he met God. He prayed and turned over his life to God. It was nothing spectacular, but it was REAL. Ross continued his mission of help. He would pick up the outdated bread and fancy bakery products at stores in Drumheller and would deliver it to students at Prairie Bible Institute, or the Mustard Seed. The stores didn’t like him diving into the dumpsters for fear he would get hurt, so instead they would stack it behind the store. Recipients were always grateful. Ross’s biggest disappointment and earnest prayers have been for his son Keith. Keith had gotten into drug use, selling and has spent his entire adult life in jail, except for brief periods of parole. Ross tried to talk to him when he was home, but Keith never had time for him, but when Keith was in jail, he had nothing but time. Ross faithfully visited Keith, even praying with him, but we have not seen a change in Keith...yet. A Private Family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, and if one so desires, donations can be made directly to The Mustard Seed Red Deer, 6002 54 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4N 4M8. Hanna Funeral Services Ltd., entrusted with the care and arrangements; 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca You ask me why I’m happy. Well here’s the reason why. Praise God! My sins are gone! When I meet the scoffers they ask Where they are, I say: My sins are gone. They are underneath the blood on the cross of Calvary. As far removed as darkness is from dawn. In the sea of God’s forgetfulness. That’s good enough for me. Praise God, my sins are gone.