I hope you are each doing well. This is a very hard column for me to write. Valley Home has lost a very important part of our community. Donnie Taro loved each one of us and he deeply loved his beloved Valley Home. Although Donnie suffered health conditions that could have kept him from getting out a lot, he chose to keep going … to keep trying. It is with a very heavy heart that I share with you that Donnie lost his hard-fought battle. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Donnie and my sister Linnie Keaster had gone for one of their daily drives. Each day for over the last 20 years Donnie and Linnie would go daily into Oakdale to get their morning soda. This day started off like most days; this day was a dialysis day for Donnie. Each morning, even on dialysis days, his lifelong friend Davey (Bud) Farriera would either call him or Donnie would call Davey; it was their early morning ritual. Afterwards Linnie and Donnie would go get their soda. They would either take a drive around the lake and have lunch in the truck or they would get Subway sandwiches at Collegeville and head out to the Delta. They would drive around the islands and again eat their lunch in the truck. Donnie loved to look at the rice fields, and every crop in the Delta. He dearly loved his sweet Linnie; she, too, has health problems. Donnie was determined to drive Linnie and I to every doctor appointment. He was very patient and very gentle and kind with Linnie. This day as they returned here to our house; it turned out to be such a sad day. Although Cody, Cooper and Scott tried so hard to save Donnie, and our Fire Department came quickly and took over, he ultimately passed away. Nevertheless, we are so thankful for our Modesto City Fire and all they did to try to keep Donnie here with us.

Donnie was well known for staying in touch with his friends. He loved all people, especially the people who loved him back. One of his very dearest friends was neighbor Chris Rocha of Rocha Trucking. Chris and Donnie could talk for hours … Chris might be heading out across Utah in that beautiful truck and he and Donnie would still be talking. Chris’s wife Melanie will tell you; those two had a strong bond for sure. Donnie dearly loved his family. Many of you would see Donnie on an almost daily basis. He loved to drive around and say hello. Although Donnie could be very ornery, he was truly loved by so many. He put his whole heart and soul into our Valley Home community. For many of the events held here in Valley Home, it was Donnie who actually made them happen. So many happy memories. It was Donnie that would drive Linnie and I to get supplies for each event, especially the Harvest Festival. He loved the Harvest Festival. He also loved our Valley Home Christmas parade.

Linnie and our family had the pleasure of having Donnie with us on a daily basis. My grandsons Cody and Cooper Bartholomew were always there when Donnie needed them. They loved Donnie and he loved them right back.

Donnie loved our Valley Home Park; he and Cody and Cooper had just mowed the park last Monday. Donnie loved taking care of the park, loved to see the flag flying at the park, and served as Chairman of the Park Board.

He loved all holidays. He would arrive at our house early especially on holidays … Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and especially Christmas. He was always excited and ready to enjoy another day together.

Donnie deeply cherished the friendships he had made as a volunteer fireman years ago as a member of the Valley Home Fire Department.

Donnie was a huge part of our family and will be missed very dearly. My grandchildren Jenna Heaton, Cody Bartholomew, Cooper Bartholomew and Millie Cox forever only knew Donnie as their family. The last holiday that we had together with Donnie was this past Easter. Tena, Scott, Jenna, Beci, Brian, Lissa, Angelo, Linnie, and myself cooked dinner. Millie put fresh flowers on the tables. Cody and Cooper set up the tables outside in the yard. Donnie always brought the soda pop. We had a beautiful day full of laughter and here’s a funny story to make each of you smile: One of the kids took Donnie for a quick drive around the yard on the golf cart. They took off a bit too quick and almost sent Donnie for a tumble; no worries, though, he grabbed on very quickly. Donnie yearned to see the rice fields up north. We were all set to go up north to see the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Air Show in June. Donnie was going to get to see those rice fields up north he so much wanted to see. Donnie and Linnie took a trip over to the ocean a few years ago and he was hoping to go see the ocean again.

Donnie has served on many boards including our Valley Home School Board.

He graduated from Oakdale High School where he played football. Donnie attended MJC and was a proud farmer for most of his life. Donnie and Linnie had the great honor of attending church services at our Valley Home Church together on several occasions. Donnie was the beloved son of the late Claire and Tony Taro. He is survived by his son Anthony Taro, daughter-in-law Miranda, granddaughter Amelia and a soon-to-be-born grandson, Levi. Donnie is also survived by his sister Vicki Albers and her husband Leo Albers; his nephew, Justin Layton and his nieces, Kristen Layton and Staci Albers; as well as a multitude of close friends.

Graveside Services will be held on June 5th at Burwood Cemetery on River Road at 10am. Immediately following the graveside service, everyone is invited to a Pot Luck Luncheon in Donnie’s honor at the Valley Home Community Park.

As always, you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com or by text or telephone at 209-985-5233.