Donna Jean Martin

Donna Jean (Myers) Martin, faithful servant, cherished wife, mother and grandmother, has departed this world to be received into Heaven by her Savior, Jesus at age 95. She passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023 at Valley View Healthcare Campus in Fremont, OH.

Upon her arrival, Donna was joyfully reunited with the love of her life and husband of sixty-two years, George Evan Martin, who preceded her in death eighteen years ago. Donna has also been reunited with her parents Albert and Anna Belle Myers (Finn), brothers, Earl, June, Jerry, and sister, Mary. Also her son, George Albert Martin, as well as many beloved friends.

Donna Martin was born on February 8, 1928. In her youth Donna attended St. Ann’s Catholic School and showcased her talent as a professional dancer, even gracing the White House stage to entertain President Roosevelt. Donna met her husband George at Fountain Park at the age of eleven and they were married when Donna was fifteen. Together they raised three sons, George (Louise), Bill, Tom (Irene) and one daughter, Bethany (Loren). Donna was the proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, nineteen great-great grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild.

Donna was the original Martha Stewart – she joyfully created a warm and welcoming home for her husband and family. Donna was a partner in George’s custom homebuilding company, George Martin Homebuilders LTD, acting as his interior designer, a hobby she enjoyed in her own home as well. She was an amazing cook and baker – famous for her shredded chicken sandwiches and cut-out cookies, especially loved by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sleepovers at grandma’s house meant you were treated like royalty – served your favorite dinner, followed by a late-night horror movie with all the junk food you could eat. You slept on sheets dried on the line and were awoken by the smell of all our favorite breakfast foods cooking. Holidays at Donna’s house were unprecedented – endless food, cakes and pies; warmth, laughter and love.

Donna loved so many things in life – a competitive game of Uno with lifelong friends, Don & Jean Ohms, a personal style reminiscent of Jackie O (but always bought on sale), singing hymns in church or around a friend’s piano after dinner, sharing tips for successful marriages and child-rearing and funny one-liners about people or circumstances she encountered. Yet, it was her profound love for Jesus that outshone all else. Raised Catholic, when Donna met George, he introduced her to Jesus in a way she hadn’t experienced before. Donna sought to serve Christ in every way she could – teaching Sunday School and Junior Church, building a church together with George where she served for many years – always sharing the Good News of Christ with her family, friends and strangers alike. And now the good and faithful servant is Home, surrounded by His glory and receiving her final reward – fully seen and fully knowing all things.

Donna’s family would like to thank the staff of Valley View Assisted Living for her loving care over the last five years. 

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 2pm with a gathering from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory at 425 E. State Street, Fremont, OH. Pastor Ernest Robles will officiate. A private burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

“Now that which we see is as if we were looking in a broken mirror. But then we will see everything. Now I know only a part. But then I will know everything in a perfect way. That is how God knows me right now.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 | New Life Version