Doris Ann (McClain) Gaona

July 26, 1937 - September 13, 2026

Doris Ann was born on July 26, 1937, in Mt. Vernon, Washington, to Herbert and Jessie McClain. In the summer of 1942, her family moved to Whidbey Island, and that fall they settled in Everett, Washington, where Doris Ann began school. In June 1948, the family moved to Wenatchee, Washington, where she grew up and made many lifelong friendships.

Doris Ann graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1956, Wenatchee Valley College in 1958, and Seattle Pacific University in 1960 with a B.A. in Education.

Teaching was not simply a career for Doris Ann-it was a calling. She taught for four years in the Shoreline School District before following her heart to Costa Rica, where she spent a year learning Spanish. With a love for children and a passion for sharing Jesus, she then served as a missionary teacher for 13 years at Asunción Christian Academy in Asunción, Paraguay.

It was there, on her second Sunday in Paraguay, that Doris Ann met Eladio Gaona. They were married on June 27, 1970. In July 1977, Doris Ann, Eladio, and their daughter, Marci, returned to the United States. After living in Wenatchee for two years, they settled in Kennewick.

Doris Ann continued her love of teaching and working with children throughout her life. She taught for two years in the Edmonds School District and later served as director of King's Kids Preschool in Kennewick from January 1979 through June 1984. She then taught English as a Second Language (ESL) for the Kennewick School District for 16 years, teaching at Westgate, Hawthorne, and Eastgate schools until her retirement in June 2000.

But Doris Ann's greatest joy was not found in a classroom. It was found in serving her Lord and pointing others to Jesus. She was always active in her church, faithfully serving in Sunday School and Children's Church. She loved children and delighted in encouraging and teaching them. Music was another gift she shared, and she loved singing, participating in several choir groups throughout the years.

Doris Ann will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, love for people, adventurous heart, and willingness to serve wherever God led her. She touched the lives of countless students, missionary families, friends, and children through her kindness, encouragement, and joyful spirit.

Doris Ann is survived by her husband, Eladio Gaona, and her daughter, Marci Gaona, along with her six "grandkids" and one "great-grandson", as well as many family members and friends who were blessed by her.

In keeping with Doris Ann's wishes, her passing will be remembered not simply as a goodbye, but as her "home going." She wanted her family and friends to gather, hear the Gospel message, and rejoice in knowing that she was going home to be with her Lord and Savior.

She requested that the song "Over the Sunset Mountains" be sung in celebration of her home going.

In lieu of flowers, please pray and consider supporting a child in need and/or giving to your church in Doris Ann's honor. Her love for children, her faith, and her desire to serve the Lord were such meaningful parts of her life, and we can think of no better way to honor her memory.