With her children beside her, Donnis Marie Plott of Orland died peacefully in Chico on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. She was born in Los Angeles to Francis M. and Faye Hulbert on August 5, 1928.
At some time during her early childhood, the family moved to Kansas. Then, after her sister, Dorothy, was born, the family returned to Burbank in 1937.
Upon graduating from Burbank High School, she began her career in banking as secretary to the bank manager of Security First National Bank.
On a trip to Northern California to visit friends in 1949, she attended a dance at the Paradise Veterans Memorial Hall. There, she met the love of her life, Kent Plott, a dairyman from Vina.
They married on November 12, 1950. Inducted into the Army on January 1, 1951, Kent Plott was stationed in Oahu, and Donnis was fortunate to move with him and work there.
Upon discharge from the Army, they returned to Vina, where they started their family. Karen was born in 1953, Janet in 1954 and Eric in 1963.
Operating a dairy was a full-time job for all. Yes, Donnis learned to milk cows!
In 1970, the family moved to Orland and continued in the dairy business. Donnis returned to work for Bank of America in Corning and later in Chico.
Serving 30 years earned her the distinction and honor of “Founders Club”, which was celebrated in San Francisco. Donnis was extremely proud of the service she provided and the relationships she built with her clients, co-workers and community.
Donnis retired in 2000.
She joined the Corning Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi in 1979 and valued those longtime friendships.
As a member of the Orland Federated Church, she was active in the Morningstar Circle.
Donnis and Kent enjoyed time spent with their family and friends, and traveling in their RV.
Donnis is survived by her children, Karen (Dwayne) Landrum of Chico, Janet “JP” (Roger) Clark of Arizona, and Eric (Polly) Plott of Dayton; grandchildren Keith, Katie, Tyler, and Brad; sister Dorothy Vadney; sister-in-law Sharon Williams; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kent, who died in 2020. Donnis has been laid to rest next to him at the Vina Cemetery.
A memorial service to celebrate her life is set for 2 p.m. on Friday, March 28, at the Federated Church, 709 First Street, Orland.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Orland Federated Church or a favorite charity.
The Glenn County Observer 