Donna Ruth Gentry

Donna Ruth Gentry, who sparkled into the world on April 27, 1941, in Parma, Ohio, embarked on her final journey on July 18th, 2024, leaving North Ridgeville a little dimmer without her. At 83 years young, Donna, a steadfast matriarch and friend, proved that a mix of hard work and a heart full of love is the recipe for a life well-lived.

With a career that spanned many years at Welder's Supply to the finance-fueled corridors of May Bank (part of May Dept. Stores), Donna was the embodiment of dedication. She was a woman who wouldn't just balance the books but balanced her life with a poise that many admired.

Donna had a flair for life's simple joys-like immersing herself in the creativity of scrapbooking, the heartwarming twists of Hallmark Channel movies or rooting for the Cleveland Guardians, where she'd pitch a perfect game of fandom every season. It's safe to say, in the league of extraordinary mothers, Donna was a true all-star. She took immense pride in her neat and tidy home with a yard boasting with flowers.

She loved traditional country music with Alan Jackson being her favorite. She loved listening to his twangy tunes of "Drive" and "Chattahoochee" and would sing along to the hymns of his Precious Memories album. She enjoyed spending time with her family, attending her grandchildren's sporting events, visiting family in Florida and drinking a margarita at her favorite Mexican restaurants.

Her memory is cherished and celebrated by her loving lineup: daughters Kim Burris (Jimmy), Theresa Ciha (Ed) and Robin Kring (Tom); son Robert Wingeier (Danielle); and her home-run-hitting grandchildren, Shane Crites, Sedona Cope (Josh), Linkin Wingeier, and Eva Wingeier. Donna rounds the bases, preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Ellen and Robert William Forisch, her husband Darrell "Rube" Gentry and her brother, Douglas Rusk Vance.

In a fitting tribute to a woman who banked on making a difference, the family suggests that in lieu of traditional gestures, contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society. Both are causes that Donna would have championed with the same passion and appreciation she had for the simple things in life.

Donna's chapter on earth may have closed, but her story will continue to be told with smiles and a twinkle in the eyes of those who knew her. Her legacy is not just in the love she left behind but in the laughter that lingers in our hearts. Donna's love of butterflies can be appreciated by the words in this quote. "A butterfly always reminds us that there is always beauty at the end of all the pain." "Don't conform to the world. Be like the butterfly and transform."

A private celebration of Donna's life will be held by her family.