Grace Donalda Whiteside

Grace Donalda Whiteside, age 93, passed away peacefully at The Dalles Veterans’ Home, surrounded by family on October 18th, 2025.

Grace was born to Elbert & Verna (Ferguson) Lowry in LaCombe Alberta, Canada. Grace grew up in the area and graduated from Vancouver, Washington High School. She worked many different jobs throughout her lifetime as well as being a homemaker. She married Robert Hedge in 1952 and was blessed from that union with two children, Steven and Debbie. She was also an officer with the PTA during those years.

Grace had many challenges in life, including cancers of various kinds. She proved to be a very strong fighter through it all. She had a real love for the outdoors, especially fishing. One of her more enjoyable adventures is the time she spent in Alaska fishing and being part of that culture. She also was blessed to travel and live some outside of the country.

Later in life she married Walter (Whitey) Whiteside, a decorated Veteran of several deployments. They were a happy couple until his passing in November of 2000.

Grace is survived by her daughter Debbie Refsland (Allen), two grandchildren, Marcus (Kjerstin) Refsland and Robyn (Joshua) McLean and 8 great grandchildren. Also, her sister Delores (Eisland) Wasko and brother Gary Lowry. She was preceded in death by her parents Elbert & Verna Lowry, a son, Steve Hedge, a sister, Madeline French and a brother, Elbert Lowry.

There will be a memorial service held at The Dalles Veterans’ Home on November 7th at 11 a.m.