Dona M. Holliman

Aug 29, 1937 -

Sep 15, 2025

Dona was the second child born to Fred Vessey and Nellie Belle (Massey) Vessey, on Aug. 29, 1937, in Lewistown, Mont. The family had homesteaded in Roy, Mont. area, eventually moving to Stites, Idaho, in 1944. Dona was a beautiful and eye catching woman who was quick to realize the world held many other opportunities. She easily made friends and didn't hold back to find adventure and travel. In 1958, she moved to Anchorage.

Securing a job with the burgeoning Alaska Airlines in 1964, Dona found her niche and Alaska became her home. She played an integral role in the venturing cargo and freight moving section of the airlines. Many lifelong friendships became from her employment here. She retired in 2004, after 40 years.

Dona welcomed her only child, Renee, in May 1970. In Sept. 1973, she married Alvin Jerry Holliman, who also worked at Alaska Airlines. Their love of Alaska and fishing made a great match and Jerry was a loving father to Renee. Their favorite place to be was at their cabin on the Kenai River, catching fish.

Dona was a loving grandmother, and mother to her two granddaughters, Donya and Jerrilynn. This easily became her focus and mission to raise two well-adjusted, strong and thriving women.

She was very caring, involved and liked to motivate others. She pushed people to be their best. She was loving - sometimes in a hard way. Dona will be greatly missed and loved forever.

Survivors include her granddaughters, Donya (Robert) Mennis and Jerrilynn (Jared) Palmer; their children, Norah, Nathan, Paxton, Leo and Jasmine; and son-in-law, Kevin McKinney, all of Anchorage and Wasilla; daughter, Renee; brother, Rod (Joyce) of Grangeville, Idaho, and his daughters and family; in addition to several nephews, still residing in Idaho.

Dona was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Jerry Holliman; parents, Fred and Nellie Vessey; and brothers. Freddy Vessey and Danny Vessey.

In Dona's honor, please send any donations to EAF for Alaska Airlines.