Donna Olvey

Donna Janett Olvey, 95, of Redkey, Indiana, entered Heaven’s gates on Sept. 24, 2024, exactly one year to the day of her husband’s passing. She arrived in Heaven just in time to join her husband and their daughter, Debbie, as they celebrated Debbie’s birthday the very next day. What a party that must have been!

Donna was born on April 21, 1929, in Hartford City, Indiana. She was the daughter of Ennis “Scoot” and Edith (Jones) Maxwell. Donna attended Blackford High School until she was removed to care for her younger siblings as her mother became very ill. She carried the “caregiver gift” throughout her life. 

Donna was a great mother to Debbie, who developed muscular dystrophy at a young age. She cared for Debbie until her passing at the age of 20. During the last years of Donna’s life, she cared for her husband Jim, whom she shared 76 beautiful years with.

In her younger years, Donna was a very talented roller skater. While being held by her ankles and twirled around, she would light a wooden match on the floor while holding it in her mouth. 

Donna started the Redkey Gamma Nu Sorority years ago. She worked at the Redkey bakery, owned the Redkey coffee shop and later worked at her daughter’s flower shop, Reni’s Heaven Scent, where she always added what she called her “special touch.” Donna loved to cook and feed people and was known to many as “Momma Donna.”

She is survived by her daughter, Reni Lawhead (Kevin); daughters at heart Perlita Friddle, Esther Hollowell, Robin Barfield and Jeannie Towne; two grandchildren, Nathan Lawhead and Rene Snow; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband James William “Jim” Olvey; daughter Debbie D. Olvey; two brothers, Bud and Butch Maxwell; and three sisters, Tillie Clevenger, Clara Young and Sue Herman.

Friends are invited to call Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, from noon to 1 p.m. at MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Craig Cotherman officiating. Burial will be held in Hillcrest Cemetery in Redkey, Indiana. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “A Better Life Brianna’s Hope” to help those battling addiction and one very close to Grandma’s heart.

A special thank you to Nurse Trina, Pastor Phil and everyone at Heart to Heart Hospice for their compassion and care during her final days. 

Arrangements are entrusted to MJS Mortuaries.