Donna Fae Hulse

Donna Fae Hulse, age 86, left us on April 11, 2025. It was a bright and sunny day, and she was in her home, surrounded by loved ones. Her cause of death was a urinary tract infection and pneumonia. She was a fighter and stayed with us for two weeks until it became too much for her. We will all miss her very much.

Donna was born on November 5, 1938, in Homedale, Idaho, to Jim and Iva Hill. She was the youngest of five children. Donna attended Homedale schools from 1st grade – 12th grade. After graduation, Donna went to work at The Fish Fly in Caldwell, Idaho, where she tied fish flies. It was during this time that a boy (Russ Hulse) from Adrian, Oregon, caught her eye. Russ and Donna were married on January 3, 1959, in Homedale, and they were married for 66 years. Together, Russ and Donna had three children: Greg, Kurt, and Jan.

Donna had several jobs over the years, but her favorite was irrigating on their farm with her dog, Sparky. Donna would dig up gophers and Sparky would catch them. Donna also spent many hours hoeing beets.

Donna enjoyed fishing. Her favorite place to fish was Duck Valley Reservoir. Donna always caught the biggest fish, and she made sure to let us all know about it. She also enjoyed deer and elk hunting in Challis, Idaho, with her family. When time permitted, she enjoyed going on drives in the Owyhee Mountains to see her big horn sheep, wild horses, antelope, and deer. 

At home, Donna enjoyed making blankets for her family, doing puzzles, watching the hummingbirds, playing games, and gardening.

In the last few years, Donna and Russ traveled to many car shows with their 1948 Ford Coupe and 1947 Ford Sedan. Their dining room is filled with trophies from the shows. Donna’s favorite car show was in Elko, Nevada. It was at this car show they met their good friends, Harry and Judy. Donna looked forward to this show every year so she could visit with them during the day and go gambling with them at night. Donna loved to play blackjack and even won a tournament.

Donna loved to travel when the opportunity presented itself. One of her favorite trips was to Kauai, Hawaii, with her husband, Russ. Donna also enjoyed spending time with her grandkids: Cody, Blake, and Seth. They all teased her, but she loved it.

Donna had a beautiful smile that will be missed by all.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Iva Hill; sister, Mary Hays and brother-in-law, Rob Hays; sisters-in-law, Fae Hill and Anita Hill; mother-in-law, Virginia Hulse; and father-in-law, Alpha Hulse.

She is survived by her husband, Russ Hulse; children: Greg Hulse (JoAnne), Kurt Hulse, and Jan Julian (Brad); grandchildren: Zack and Katie Hulse, and Cody, Blake (Erika), and Seth Julian; and great grandchildren: Kaiden, Oaklee, and Ireland.

At Donna’s request, there will be no funeral service, but a gathering of family and close friends at her home at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Homedale. (208) 459-0833