Obituary: Rayna Katherine Donoho-King

Rayna Katherine Donoho-King was born on Sept. 20, 1989, in Carson City. She went back to heaven on March 18, 2011. 

Named after her Grandpa Ray and her Grandma Katherine, from birth Rayna was the energy that kept smiles from fading. She had her own agenda for life and rarely let setbacks get her down for long. 

From the time she was two she could sing and harmonize with any song and loved to sing with her Grandpa "Fuzzy" and Grandma Kathy. At Seeliger Elementary School, she barely allowed her brain to get into daily studies for the anticipation of music class with her teacher Mary Law. She was in the youth musical plays at WNC and won awards with her musical and artistic talents at Eagle Valley Middle School. She looked forward to solos in choir and dancing in musical theater were what she looked forward to in Carson High and was thrilled to be asked by outside sources to entertain at various events. She recorded two CDs in studio at age 15 and 18, and had one for rent at the Carson City Library.

She was proud of her Irish heritage so it was no surprise when she became an Irish dancer. She entertained crowds up in Virginia City on St. Patrick's Day with her heart wrenching version of "Oh Danny Boy" and her Irish dancing. Rayna was unique, her dream was to own a '69 VW Bug. She helped her dad get it going then painted on shamrocks to make her "Lucky Charm" complete. She had her grandpa's sense of humor and her grandma's soprano voice and was most comfortable on stage. 

After graduation Rayna spent most of her precious time with her family and close friends. Her special dog Patience was always by her side and is now with her in heaven. Rayna didn't do much in moderation, from her 42 pairs of Converse to her variety of hair colors, she kept us guessing. When asked why she tried to cram so much into such a short time she'd say, "why wait, when I can do it now." Rayna had a Carpe Diem approach to life, and we can all learn from how she lived. Rayna's favorite saying was:

"Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, but Today is a gift ...

.. that's why they call it the present"

We say "thank you" to God every day for His gift to us, our Rayna. 21 1/2 years wasn't very long; but it was enough for her to make a lasting impression of love, humor, passion and music on all who met her and she will never be forgotten or replaced. She was our Ray of sunshine.

Rayna was preceded in death by her Grandpa "Fuzzy" Ray Donoho, her Grandpa Herman King, and Grandma "Josie" Moore

She is survived by her parents, Zina Donoho-King and Bradley King; her sister Aubree (Adam) Burkholder; nieces Aislin and Ariana Burkholder; Grandma Katherine Donoho, Grandma Carolyn Strunk; aunts and uncles Lisa and Ray Young, Tara and Kent Dacy, Tonya King, Tina Anderson, Steve King, Dan and Kerry King, and many loving cousins and extended family to include Rod Moore and his special family.

*A note from Rayna's mom and dad:

Rayna lived in the "present" and lived life as though invincible, but if she could, we believe she would say that you are loved by someone who would be devastated if something happened to you. Pay attention while driving, nothing is so important it cannot wait until the car is stopped; and take care of yourself, if not for you, then for those who love you.

Our family extends our love and thanks to all who have been here for us in the name of Rayna and her Grandpa Ray.

Services will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m., April 30, 2011

at LifePoint Church, 1095 Stephanie Way, Minden

775-267-0151