Donna J. Merkel

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Jean Merkel, age 81, who left us peacefully on March 19, 2025, in her home in Dillsboro, Indiana. Born on May 24, 1943, in Covington, Kentucky, Donna touched the lives of many with her vibrant spirit and unwavering love for family and friends. Donna was a devoted housewife who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her knack for creating beautiful floral arrangements brought beauty to her home and happiness to those who received them. She had a special talent for cooking and baking, filling her family’s gatherings with delicious meals and sweet treats that will be fondly remembered.  A true lover of animals, Donna found great joy in the companionship of her cherished cats and dog, who were a constant source of comfort and laughter throughout her life. In her leisure time, she enjoyed crafts, knitting, and indulging in her fondness for shiny jewelry while shopping, even if she occasionally left the store empty-handed.

Above all, Donna cherished her role as a wife, mother and grandmother. The time spent with her daughters and her grandchildren filled her heart with immense joy. She loved being their babysitter, sharing stories, laughs, and special moments that they will carry with them always. Donna also had a fondness for horror movies, finding a thrill in the suspense that brought shared excitement with family and friends.  She is survived by her loving husband, James Merkel; daughters, Jennifer (Nick) Petty and Christy York; grandchildren, Justin, Tristan, Madison, Izzy, and Aiden; and niece Sharon (Jerry) Bill.  A funeral service to honor Donna will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Evans Funeral Home in Milford, Ohio, where friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation starting at 11:00 AM. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio.  As we gather to celebrate her life, we invite those who knew and loved Donna to remember her for her creativity, her love of family, and her indomitable spirit. She will forever remain in our hearts.  Donna was preceded in death by: parents George and Virginia Zapfe, sister and brother-in-law Barbara (Ronnie) Jansen, and nephews Tom and Jerry Jansen.