Donna J. Parsons

Donna Jean (Hostetler) Parsons, 65, of Monrovia, passed peacefully from this life on Sunday, January 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family while in the care of IU West Hospital. She was born in Greencastle on June 28, 1957, to the late John Levi and Iva Dene (Ferguson) Hostetler. The baby of the family, Donna graduated from Cascade High School with the class of 1975, where she was a loyal member of the school’s band, playing the French horn. Employed at the local restaurant, the Hen House, she met her future husband and life-long soul mate, Tom who worked across the street. Smitten with his charm, he wooed her in, and the pair were married in the Willow Grove Nazarene Church on January 9, 1976. A stay-at-home mom in the beginning, she sometimes traveled the country with Tom in his 18-wheeler reading the map and guiding them to their destinations. As the children grew, she gained employment at the State House in the IT Department, devoting 33 years of service, retiring in September of 2022. Donna and Tom’s home was known to all the local kids as the safe place where she took in the young ones as her own, and everyone was always welcome. A fierce and protective matriarch, Donna ensured her circle was never unbroken. Small in stature, she was mighty to the core, unafraid of anything or anyone, yet all the while possessing the ability to put the scary things in this world into a perspective the kids felt more comfortable with. Sweet and sometimes mean all rolled into one, if she were to start counting to three, you knew good and well it was best to correct yourself quickly or you might ended up getting a smack to the back of the head. Her kitchen, lovingly referred to as the “Parson’s Kitchen” was the place where a delicious home cooked meal was served daily, and when it was your birthday, it was your favorite meal followed by cake and celebration. A Pepsi lover through and through, some say she drank so much she should have owned stock in the company. She was a masterful baker, with her specialty being yeast rolls, she enjoyed sewing, crafting, attending the online DTF Sales Auction on Mondays and Fridays, but above all hobbies, she completely and utterly loved Christmas! A fiery pistol, Donna was a truly loving and faithful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. In her recent years as her health began to decline, she channeled her inner strength remaining courageous and strong, fighting the good fight. She will be deeply and forever missed by all who were knew and loved her. Along with her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her only son, Justin Parsons, and brother, Robert Lee Hostetler. She leaves behind her husband of 47 years, Tom Parsons of Monrovia; daughters, Stephanie Hostetler of Monrovia, Samantha Stevenson of Eminence, and Peggy Hostetler (Stony) of Cloverdale; siblings, Charlie Hostetler (Toni) of Clayton, Debbie Bell of Mooresville, Nancy White of Greencastle, and Steve Hostetler of Mooresville; grandchildren, Tori Hostetler, Kasey Baker (Chad), Dameon Barnett, Andrew Stevenson, and Ellie Finley; six great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, along with her fur baby, Chopper. Cremation and Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation on Saturday, January 28, from 11am to 1pm at the funeral home, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning promptly at 1pm. Pastor Jim Parsons, Jr. will officiate, and cremation will follow services. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Donna’s memory, please search visit her tribute at www.lightmemorial.com.

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Donna J. Parsons

June 28, 1957 - January 22, 2023