Madonna Chittum

Madonna “Donna” L. Chittum, age 86, of Portland passed away on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, surrounded by family in Persimmon Ridge Healthcare in Portland. 

Born in Celina, Ohio, on June 19, 1938, she was the daughter of Herbert and Mary (Faller) Meinerding. She was married on June 30, 1962, to Larry Chittum and he passed away on Nov. 30, 2021. 

Donna was a receptionist for Jay County REMC for many years. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Jay County Hospital Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. She was a graduate of Fort Recovery High School and International Business College. 

Donna was involved in Special Olympics golfing, she enjoyed her Busch Light and wine and was the life of the party, never meeting a stranger. She was also stuck going with Larry to a lot of Jay County athletic events.

Surviving are two sons, Vince Chittum (wife: Laura) of Bargersville, Indiana, and Patrick Chittum (wife: Jenn) of Wauseon, Ohio; one daughter, Deborah Jackson (husband: Doug) of Portland; two brothers, Gene Meinerding and Jack Meinerding (wife: Ginny), both of Union City; and one sister, Mary Jo Stump (husband: Larry) of Hudson, Wisconsin; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.  

She was preceded in death by her husband Larry; daughter Theresa (twin of Vince); grandson Chris Jackson; and sister Jeannette Meinerding.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. with Pastor Earl Doll presiding. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. 

Burial will be in Claycomb Cemetery. 

Memorials can be made to the Portland Rockets or Jay County Special Olympics.