Donna M. Darby

A memorial service celebrating the life of Donna Mae Darby will be held on Saturday afternoon, May 5, at the Lane Family Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel. Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. The memorial will begin at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Mark Vincent officiating. Donna was born on Dec. 19, 1932 to Virgil and Myrtle (McAnich) Barton. She died peacefully, surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Donna felt fulfilled by working and pursuing her career. She retired from Ohio Presbyterian Homes, Park Vista in 1987, where she was assistant to the administrator for 16 years. Donna later retired from Buttermilk Acres, where she was a pottery craftsman. Donna had many hobbies, some of which included quilting, sketching, painting, and driving the countryside looking for the perfect barn scene to photograph, all with the intention of one day painting that photo. She was an avid gardener and spent countless hours tending her flower beds. She loved taking walks through the woods and gardens, identifying birds, flowers, and trees, always stopping long enough to skip stones or pick up a few sticks in her yard. Even in the winter months, Donna would spend time cleaning the snow off the ice of the creek bed behind her home to create the perfect skating environment for her family and friends. Donna prided herself in her ability to make her friends and family laugh, and she had an incredible sense of hospitality. Her kindness, nurturing spirit, and sound wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She passionately collected and displayed bird figurines, which reminded her of the joyful sound of birds singing in the morning. Her loved ones will remember her grace and joy whenever they see a yellow finch or a morning robin outside. She was a member of the Berlin Center United Methodist Church for many years. Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ron Gedra in January of 1989. Together they lovingly raised three children, Douglas (Martha) Gedra of Ellsworth, Molly (Robert) Mazgaj of Woodland Park, Colo., and Jenny (Ken) Wehr of Lisbon. Together, as a family, they enjoyed an incredibly fun, full life. Donna was joyful when discussing her four grandchildren, Amy (Brian) Kale of Canfield, Alex (Sevasti) Gedra of Cortland, Major Luke Mazgaj, U.S. Army, and Holly (Michael) Ferguson of East Liverpool. They affectionately called her "Gram," and each cherish memories made and moments shared with their beloved grandmother. She was greatly proud of their families, educational, and professional achievements. In recent years, Donna found immense delight and happiness in her three great-granddaughters who were truly the apples of her eye. Their wonder and excitement kept her smiling every day. She eagerly anticipated the arrival of a fourth great-grandchild, expected in June. Later in life Donna married Richard Darby, who preceded her in death in January of 2018. Together they enjoyed the "snowbird" schedule, traveling between their beautiful homes in Hernando, Fla., and Ohio. The two were active members of the Hernando United Methodist Church. She got a thrill out of learning to garden "the Florida way" and entertained many friends, whom she cherished. Donna shared in the love of Richards children and family, Karen (Phil) Pentz, Michelle (Joe) Villano, Linda Diane (Larry) Stoltz, and son Rick Darby, deceased. Together, Donna and Richard pursued many adventures and enjoyed great laughter. Donnas surviving brother and sister fondly hold her memory dear. Shirley Couche of Moncks Corners, S.C. and Jack (Laura) Barton of Youngstown, were both present as she left her earthly body and entered into the embrace of the Lord. Siblings Charlotte Jane Kennedy, Robert Barton, and James Barton preceded her in death. She is lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Donnas family would like to thank Dr. John Alex Heintzleman and the St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center staff for their support, wisdom, and care. The incredibly grace-filled staff at Hospice of the Valley aided Donna greatly in her final hours, and the family is immeasurably grateful. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berlin Center United Methodist Church or Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman OH 44512.