Obituary of Keta Rachelle Donegan

Keta Rachelle (Stach) Donegan was born in Oakridge/Wesfir, Oregon on March 26th, 1954, but moved with her family to Grants Pass, OR in the immediate years that followed. 

Keta was preceded in death by her mother Barbara Ann (Croner) Stach (who passed in 2020); and father Henry George Stach (who passed in 2018). 

She is survived by her younger sister, Tori Laree Stach; younger brother, Shan Bret Stach; her husband Timothy Patrick Donegan; 3 children, Cameron Patrick Donegan, Kendall Rae (Donegan) Powers, and Garrett Michael Donegan; and 3 grandchildren, Carter Patrick Donegan, Liam Michael Donegan, and Declan Oliver Powers. 

Keta, known fondly by her loved ones as “Deed,” lived a rich, full life which started with her primary education where she graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1972 where she participated in Pep Club, Cheer, and showed Porter horses. In her pursuit of higher education, she first attended Linfield College (1972-1976) where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa Phi sorority and graduated with a degree in business. Deed moved to Portland, OR after a few years of work in and around central Oregon and graduated from Portland Community College (PCC) in 1983 with an Associate’s Degree of Science in Civil Engineering. During her time at PCC, she made lifelong friends including her husband Tim, whom she met through their challenging course of Statics in which he tutored her. Keta then tutored him in Dynamics which shows just how great of a match they made. 

Keta was a loyal and generous friend and a staunch believer in women’s rights. She participated in numerous demonstrations for women’s liberation in Portland and almost joined the Peace Corps but was forced to withdraw her application. She amassed an army of friends and loved ones during her 30 years in Portland before an employment opportunity took the family to Colorado Springs, CO in 1996.

Keta’s career as a Civil Engineer was illustrious and long in which she held numerous positions at public entities including at Copland Sand & Gravel, as an auditor for the State of Oregon, and as an Engineer at Tualatin Valley Water District, Castle Rock Water, and Colorado Springs Utilities. 

Keta loved to cook and host close friends in her life. From her rich, incredibly delicious meals to her top-notch wines and cocktails. If you were blessed with the opportunity to enjoy a treasured meal or strong cocktail at her house, you were truly one of the lucky ones whom she held close to her heart. Keta also had an impressive eye and love for art, interior design, and landscaping. Her home was always an aesthetic envy and her landscaping consistently one to emulate. From her paint colors and throw pillows to her robust flowerpots and elaborate perennial beds, her designs brought awe and inspiration. She was an impressive artist who completed many beautiful drawn and painted pieces.

Keta loved her 3 children and 3 grandchildren deeply which was evident in that she hardly ever missed one of their sporting events. Whether it was little league, high school varsity, or collegiate athletics, she always found a way to get in the bleachers to cheer on her kids. In Keta’s later years she found fulfillment in dinners with her family, vacations in Arizona/Mexico, evening scooter rides, and margaritas or “a nacho” at Jose Muldoon’s. 

Keta’s family, friends, and loved ones will be holding a Celebration of Life on October 22nd, 2023 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at The Venue at Almagre in Colorado Springs, Colorado (Address: 2460 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918). 

All friends, family, loved ones, and anyone touched by Keta are invited to join in her celebration. 

Please consider a memorial contribution to one of the following organizations in honor of Keta’s life in lieu of sending flowers: The Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, Western Resource Advocates, Native Plant Society of Oregon, or Linfield University. However, if you truly must send flowers, her family welcomes your generosity.