Donna Sharlee (Heintz) Waltz April 6, 1942 – August 23, 2025

Donna Sharlee (Heintz) Waltz, 83, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 6:32 pm, following an extended illness. True to her wish, she passed in the comfortable and familiar confines of her own home, cradled in the love of her devoted family.

She was born in Elkhart on April 6, 1942, to the late Michael E. and Geraldine (Smith) Heintz. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Claudette R. Bloom.

Surviving are her three daughters, Stacy (Michael) Palumbo, Michelle (George) Draper, and Denise (Mark) Brinson, all of Elkhart. Donna's pride and joy also included her grandchildren Katherine (Thomas Schoon) Palumbo of Chicago, Illinois, Daisy Mae Draper of Los Angeles, California, Tyler (Deidre Bias) Brinson of Carmel, and Peter (Lisa) Brinson of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, as well as her cherished great-granddaughter, little Emmelyn Schoon. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends, and not to be forgotten, her constant furry companion, Ellie, a Maltese-Shih Tzu mix who rarely left her side.

Donna was a woman whose life was defined by love, service, and strength. She worked at Miles Laboratories and Plumrose Meats during her younger years. She was a stay-at-home mom when her girls were young, pouring her heart into making sure they grew up with stability, guidance, and unconditional love. Later in life, she extended that same devotion to her own mother, caring for her at home for over a decade until her passing. For Donna, caregiving was not just something she did—it was part of who she was.

After her girls were grown, Donna found joy and purpose behind the wheel of a school bus for the Elkhart Community School System. For nearly 18 years she navigated those big yellow buses with a mix of confidence, humor, and patience. Generous with both her time and her heart, Donna believed deeply in giving back to her community. She volunteered with Susanna's Kitchen and the Salvation Army and was always willing to step in where needed—including filling in at the schools' cafeterias. Alongside her former spouse, James Waltz, she played a vital role in establishing the Elkhart City Fire Department's Ladies' Auxiliary, an organization that offered support to the department's firefighters, their families and the community. Outside of work and volunteering, Donna found joy in life's simpler pleasures. She attended Simpson United Methodist Church during her earlier years, and she loved the camaraderie of playing softball and tennis.

Above all else, Donna will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her heart was big, her spirit was giving, and her love for her family knew no bounds. She taught her daughters to be strong, her grandchildren to be proud of who they are, and her friends to always cherish the bonds they shared.

In accordance with Donna's wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:30 am at the Peace mausoleum. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart are assisting the family with arrangements. Additionally, the family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545.