Author George Bernard Shaw once wrote “A happy family is but an earlier heaven.” If that’s true, then Running Pony’s Office Manager Donna McKnatt has spent much of her life in paradise. Her focus on family and friends is central to the story of her life.
Donna was born in Memphis, but her father served in the Air Force, so the family travelled. France and the Philippines were her homes for several years, until the family sailed back to the U.S. on the Queen Elizabeth, and returned to Memphis.
After graduating from high school, Donna began a career in office administration and married her high school sweetheart, Tommy. “He’s a wonderful husband, and has always been a good friend,” says Donna. This year, they will celebrate their 50th Anniversary! Together, the couple raised three children—Shel, Tom and Mandy—and now have 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. All live in the Memphis area. “It’s very meaningful to have them nearby, because we’re a very close family,” Donna says. “It’s wonderful that we get to celebrate all the holidays together. Everyone gathers at our house. It’s small, but we have a big dining room table and that’s all that really matters,” she chuckles.
In addition to their big family, Donna and Tommy are also “parents” to Mac, a deaf rescue dog. They are teaching Mack to respond to hand signals and sign language. They’ve had some practice at this, because their previous pet Darla, whom they owned for 13 years, was also deaf.
When they’re not spending time with family or Mac, Donna and Tommy spend some of their spare time “junkin”—going to yard sales, estate sales and auctions. They look for collectibles and vintage items that they can sell on EBay. “Once we bought a Lionel model train for $30 at a yard sale,” Donna recalls. “It turned out to be a rare collectors’ item. We sold it for about $2500.”
Donna started work at Running Pony in 2003; she’s now celebrating her 16th year. When asked what she likes most about her job, Donna says “I love the people here! That’s the best thing about the job.” Her colleagues might also say that Donna is the best thing about their jobs.
