Donna Lee

Donna Garlinger Lee entered Heaven’s gates at the age of 90 on April 20.

She was born Donna Marie Moore in 1932, the daughter of the late Russel Moore and Mary (Rodgers). Her mother died in 1936 when Donna was only 4.

Donna was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, most especially over the holidays. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Donna was born in Bryant and lived most of her life in Jay and Randolph counties. She married Meredith Leon Garlinger of Bryant in 1950. Leon passed on in 1996 after 46 years of marriage.

Donna is survived by her son, Douglas W. Garlinger and his wife Cheryl; Donna’s two granddaughters, Angela (Ben) Eberhart and Kelly (Brian) Wurz; and her step-grandson Joshua Boyle. Her great-grandchildren are Emma, Jack, Lauren, Max and Gabe.

Survivors also include siblings Janet (Ronnie) Aker of Ridgeville, Brenda (Danny) Evans of Portland and Linda (Jerry) Hopkins of Ridgeville.

Siblings predeceasing her were Tony, Keith, Jim, Larry, John, Jack and Kay Goodhew.

Donna remarried in 1999 to Sgt. Maj. Martin H. Lee Ret. U.S. Army. They were married for 20 years until his death in 2019. Donna attended the Bellefountain United Methodist Church.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held April 25. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. and services at 12:30 p.m. at Baird-Freeman Funeral Home, 221 N. Meridian St., Portland. Burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery, Bryant.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.