Ms. Donna Kay Schmucker, 65, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, December 25, 2023, at 1:17 am. She had been experiencing some health issues in the recent past and, despite all, Donna's family rejoiced her entrance into Heaven on such a special and Holy day.

She was born in Elkhart on July 3, 1958, to the late Milo D. and Mary V. (Cannan) Schmucker, and she was blessed later in life with two beautiful daughters; Shaelvonne (Marvin) Whitener and Antionette (Alicia Hood-Schmucker) Schmucker, both of Elkhart. She is also survived by her grandchildren Sean B. and Jyrron L. Cooper and Marliesha N. Whitener, all of Elkhart; great-grandchildren Xzayliah, Saige, Malani and Sean Cooper, III; her companion L. C. Gates of Elkhart and his family Steve (Belinda) Gates, Larry (Shondalin) Gates, Rodney (Michelle) Gates, Corel (Melinda) Gates and Tiffany (Becky Schindler) Gates, all of Elkhart; and her beloved blue brindle English Bulldog "Bonzo", who is reported to be inconsolable and unavailable for comment. Donna is also survived by the usual gang of suspects including her loving extended family, neighbors, in-laws, outlaws and her "sisters from another mother" Linda Forest, Robin Booze, Sherry Barnes and Rosie Adams.

In accordance with Donna's wishes, cremation is to take place with the assistance and direction of Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart. Services for Donna will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at New Beginnings United Worship Center, 1527 Belmont Avenue, Elkhart, with visitation from 11 AM to 12 PM and a memorial service to immediately follow beginning at 12 PM. Pastor Greg Gary will officiate the services. Following services at the church, the family invites all to join them for a repast at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3401 Plaza Court, Elkhart.

Donna retired after 34 years with the Elkhart Community School System, with 26 of those years logged at the Elkhart Area Career Center as Head Custodian. She loved working with the staff and kids, and her enthusiasm was reflected in her multiple back-to-back intra-office workspace decorating awards, given to the most holiday-specific office work area. Donna "cleaned-up" (no pun intended) during Halloween because that was her favorite holiday.

So, two things we can derive from this: number one is that nearly everyone considered Donna to be the life of the party. She had a huge smile and an immense carefree attitude that would not only brighten up any room but would carry over into the room next door! Number two would be that her love for children definitely included her grand and great grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. And, as with many grandmas, she showed her love best in the kitchen, where she could candy a ham like nobody's business. She was quite the accomplished master of "soul" cuisine, and it was rumored that she had to shut her windows when she cooked to keep the neighborhood from stopping by for "a taste". Yet, despite her talent in the kitchen, Donna was a junk-food junkie, and she loved her some banana Moon Pies and a Pepsi. Her friends would tell you that she also enjoyed going out with the girls occasionally and showing off all her "bling"!

Perhaps Donna's popularity with the grands also had something to do with her insatiable love for amusement parks. They were definitely on the same level when it came to that, and she visited parks everywhere from Disney World in Orlando to The Kalahari in Sandusky, Ohio. Hands down it was determined that Donna loved the water rides the best.

Plucky, unflappable, unsinkable and undeniably opinionated, Donna was famous for speaking her peace in a respectful yet vocal way ("she didn't take no mess from anybody") and was always a champion for the underdog. However, Donna's most meaningful moment of her life came only a few days ago when she gave her life and heart to her Lord Jesus Christ. While some could lament that Donna missed a lifetime with her Lord, we are thankful that Donna didn't miss out on an eternity without the Good Shepherd. "Well done, my good and faithful servant."