Tehachapi News

A funeral service was held on May 4 at the Wood Family Funeral Service Chapel for Donna Laura Popejoy, 79, who passed away on April 29 in Bakersfield.

Donna was born in Canadian Oklahoma on June 8, 1926. Her parents were Joseph Clayborn and Ada Alice Holladay. She married Leo Willie Popejoy on March 19, 1948. They moved to Arvin in 1948 where they had one son, Dan Popejoy. Donna lived a long and full life. She worked in the packing sheds in Arvin, packing anything from potatoes to carrots. She was a hard worker and was the first to help anyone in need. Donna spent a lot of time taking care of her parents and her family. Donna and Leo moved to Tehachapi in 1965 where she took up the busy job of homemaker.

Her hobbies were hunting, fishing, watching all the wild animals around her home and most of all spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandma taught us all a lot about life and how to treat others. Grandma was proud to be a God-fearing woman. She taught us to be this way also. Our grandmother was a wonderful, caring woman but stern when she needed to be. She was the cornerstone that helped keep her family on track.

We love and will miss her very much. In the end she was re-united with her one and only true love, Leo. She called out to him and he returned to take her to the beginning. Grandma leaves behind a tremendous family full of love for her and grandpa. Rest in peace grandma. We know you are in heaven with the Lord.

Donna is survived by her son, Dan Popejoy and his wife Sandi of Tehachapi; granddaughters, Elizabeth Miller and her husband Todd; and Christal Bailey, all of Bakersfield; grandsons, Jason Popejoy and his wife Robin; and Jeremy Popejoy, all of Bakersfield; and Jake Popejoy and his wife Tanya of Tehachapi; great-grandchildren, Heather, Cole, Allie, Justin, Andrew, Spencer, Kirstina, Alyssa and Grace; sister, Betty Hunter of Oklahoma; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Reverend Elmer Moody officiated at the service. Interment followed at Tehachapi Public Cemetery, Eastside. Wood Family Funeral Service handled the arrangements.