Donna Marie (Simpson) Carlson

Donna Marie Simpson Carlson, 63, of Idaho Falls, passed away December 24, 2024, at Eagle Rock Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia.

Donna was born March 27, 1961, in Spokane, Washington, to Jerald and Mildred Simpson. She grew up and attended schools in Spokane until about age 12 when her family moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, following her father’s work.

She met and married Doug Gray in 1977, with this union their son, Durand, was born on June 6, 1979. They later divorced and in 1983 Donna met Jim Carlson, they were married in 1985. They were later divorced but remained best friends throughout her life.

Donna loved playing pool and was on the women’s league for 25 plus years. She enjoyed making dream catchers, helping others, she loved animals (especially cats), and reading to children at the library. She was a Christian. Donna enjoyed writing short stories and poetry, and was a published poet. She had a dream of publishing her short story “The Meaning of Christmas” and reading it to children at the library. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

In 2011, Donna was diagnosed with COPD.

Donna is survived by her children, Parker Arnold and Logan Arnold of Cochran, GA; and brother, Jerry Bartz of Spokane, WA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerald and Mildred Simpson; son, Durand Simpson; sister, Jan Aoun; and brother, John Bartz.

A gathering will be held at a later date.