WESTERVILLE – Donna Lou Dow Miller/Hodan (previously Yenne) was born on January 24, 1928, in Perrysville, Ohio, to Willa Woodie Yenne and Allen Wayne AW Yenne. She lived well and joyfully, slipping into eternity on May 22nd, 2017, at the age of 89. She passed away in her daughter s home (Susan Hart) from complications related to cancer. In hospice care for a period of two months prior to her death, Donna died peacefully holding the hands of those she loved.
Donna was preceded in death by two spouses, Bernard Bernie Matthew Miller in 1995 and Edward Hodan in 2015, her brother, Richard Dick Yenne in 2010, and her parents. She leaves behind her daughter, Susan Hart and husband Lee; daughter, Cyndi Battles and husband John; son, Greg Miller and wife Mary; daughter, Michelle Miller-Day and husband Ed, grandchildren, Jennifer Hart Anderson (Ron), Alisanne Higginbotham (Andy), Melissa Hart Miller (Ben), Carriane Hart Anderson, Heather Hart Kobele (Nick), Erin Battles Maisel (John), Mike Battles (Heather), Ryan Battles (Heather), Tara Battles, Samantha Battles, Matthew Miller (Kathleen), Jackie Miller Krieger (Ryan), Danny Miller, Jordan Rassulo, Joshua Miller-Day, 32 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Donna s family was her joy and she their center. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, Mimi, nurse, friend, and servant to anyone who might need her help. She grew up in Wooster, Ohio and graduated from Wooster High School in 1946. She received a Registered Nursing degree from Saint Luke s in 1949. She began her career as a registered nurse at Wooster Community Hospital, admitting the very first patient to the new hospital, and continued to work as a nurse for more than 40 years. She shared her love of nursing with others as an instructor for National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service and was the first basic instructor for Wayne County Practical Nursing School. When she completed her nursing career, she became very involved in community service and her volunteer activities. Donna was the charter president of Wooster s Junior Women s Club for 4 consecutive terms, she was an emeritus board member for Every Woman s House (an organization supporting victims and survivors of intimate partner violence) and a consummate organizer of events for the Friends and Neighbors of Every Woman s House Association, and coordination Wooster Community Hospital Bridge Marathons. Oh, how she loved to play Bridge! She was also a voracious reader and passed on her love of reading and traveling to those whom she loved. Donna was able to travel across the United States and internationally, including travel to Italy, Greece, Spain, Jamaica, and as a demonstration for her adventurous spirit, she lived in Cuba for 2 months early in her career. One of her favorite destinations was Las Vegas. She loved to gamble, people watch, and win at slot machines! When her grandchildren turned 21, she would sponsor a grandmother-grandchild trip to Vegas, one example of her generous spirit. No one will forget her Pu Pu platters!
Long known for her positive outlook on life and her sense of humor, she was intelligent, articulate, and caring. She would do anything for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, such as flying across the country to help with the birth and care of a new grandchild or making her famous Mimi Mints to lift a child s spirit. She was a widow for 10 years before meeting Ed Hodan, who would usher her into the final chapter of her life. Donna was a devoted wife to Bernard Miller first, then to Ed Hodan and always a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She embodied all that is right and good in humanity. Gone from our sight, forever in our hearts.
The family offers sincere appreciation for the thoughts and prayers.
Calling hours will be held at McIntire Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E Larwill St, Wooster, Ohio from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, May, 26th.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary s Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster on Saturday, May 27th, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Seebaurer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Every Woman s House in Wooster, Ohio (call 330-264-8498) where Donna spent many years volunteering, and Heartbeat International, 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd, Suite 2277, Columbus, Ohio 43220.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Every Woman s House in Wooster, Ohio (call 330-264-8498) where Donna spent many years volunteering, and Heartbeat International, 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd, Suite 2277, Columbus, Ohio 43220.
Service
Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster
Visitation
Friday, May 26, 2017 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the funeral home
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