Donna Mae Forbush Nelson, 85, of Ellensburg, passed away on Monday, September 23rd, 2013 at Mountain View Meadows Assisted Living. She was born on June 3, 1928, in Salt Lake City, UT, to Everett Francis Forbush and Geneva Sylvia Clark. On September 12, 1950, Donna married Frank Brown Nelson in the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City. Their marriage produced five children.Donna was a determined advocate for the growth, development, and welfare of all children. She was a member of the team of dedicated women who started the Ellensburg Head Start program. Donna was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Utah in 1951. She also completed some Master's Degree coursework at the University of Washington in the late 1970's.She served in public and school libraries in Salt Lake City. After her tenure as Ellensburg Head Start Director, she taught as an adjunct faculty member in Central Washington University's Early Childhood Education Department. She later returned to library service at CWU, and retired in 1989. Donna is remembered for her engaging personality. She listened to others with genuine interest and concern.She is survived by her son, Frank M. (Peggy) Nelson of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Rebecca Donna Nelson of Felt, ID; daughter, Heather N. (Fletcher) Scaife of Zillah, WA; son, Joshua S. (Linda) Nelson of Ellensburg, WA; daughter, Sarah N. (Marco) Bicchieri of Ellensburg, WA; sister, Colleen Gentry of West Valley City, UT; and 13 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Frank Brown Nelson; and two sisters, Ellen Forbush and Patricia Forbush Price.A Memorial Service for family and friends is scheduled for Saturday, September 28th, 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1st Ward, 808 Magnolia in Ellensburg. A graveside inurnment for Donna and her husband Frank will follow at Ellensburg's High Valley Cemetery. Family or friends wishing to make contributions in Donna's honor may do so to Kittitas Valley Home Health and Hospice, care of Brookside Funeral Home at 101 E 2nd Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98926. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Mom's and our good friends, the staff and residents at Mountain View Meadows.Arrangements by Brookside Funeral Home