Donna Mae Krause passed away at home on June 21st, 2026, with her husband Raymond A. Krause by her side. Donna was born on January 5, 1945 in Wheeling, West Virginia to Toby and Thelma Small. Her family moved around the country every few years, until landing in Glendale, California where she attended high school. Donna then went to U.C. Davis where she met Raymond, the love of her life. They married in 1967 and enjoyed 59 wonderful years together.
In 1979, Donna and Raymond moved to Colusa—which quickly became their beloved hometown. They lived there for 40 years, until moving to Sacramento to be closer to family. During her years in Colusa, Donna served as a preschool teacher, primary school teacher, secretary of the Colusa Heritage Preservation Committee, and school board member. She enjoyed adventures big and small: trips to Europe and Hawaii, biking through the Netherlands, climbing Half Dome in Yosemite, annual family trips to Gray Eagle Lodge, Ray’s Bike Shop progressive dinners, and many, many hours with her six grandchildren.
Donna was always ready to learn something new, whether she was completing her college degree, finding new ways to teach children to read, researching Colusa’s history, or carefully observing a grandchild. She was seldom patient—she loved to get things started and get
things done. She stuck by her principles and spoke her mind. Donna proudly claimed a “mean streak” that really just protected the tender heart hidden underneath. And she had high expectations of those around her, often saying “and what did you learn from THAT?”
We learned a lot.
Donna taught us all so much about courage, commitment, humor and love. She embraced adventure, fun, learning, and caring for others young and old. Donna loved to support her family, friends, colleagues, students, and community. She was so happy to make something good happen and bring others along.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved brother Larry Small.
She is survived by her husband Ray Krause; her children Lara Kelleher (Peter), Erik Krause (Amy) and Broc Krause (Arlene); her grandchildren Ruby Fisher (Alex), Cai Dunham, Toby and Liza Krause, Mae and Thea Krause; and her great-grandchildren Emery, Luke and Claire Fisher.
In the last several years, Donna’s memory failed her and she lost touch with many people and the community she cared so deeply about.
There are no services planned at this time—but we are so grateful to all of you for making her life so rich in love and purpose