Dona Darling —UPDATED
Dona Darling was born Aug. 17, 1923, in New Carlisle, Ohio.
Her parents were Isaac and Ella (Heher) Studebaker. She was the next to youngest of seven children and also the last to survive.
She attended grade and high school at North Manchester, graduating from Chester Township School in 1941. She loved to roller skate. She along with friends skated at Columbia City, all night skating at Marion and her hometown in North Manchester.
After graduating Dona worked at Gresso’s Department Store in North Manchester until she went to work for G.E. in Fort Wayne during WWII. In 1943 she traveled by bus to Oceanside, Calif. where on July 21, 1943, she married Clarence Darling who was serving in the Marine Corp. After Clarence left for the South Pacific she returned to her job at G.E.
In 1954 they moved to 5 D Road in North Township where Dona resided for 46 years. After the death of her beloved husband of 52 years, she moved to Plymouth. She was an avid reader, loved playing cards, dominoes, and belonged to several card clubs. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Moose Lodge, Studebaker National Family Association.
Dona is survived by two sons, Douglas (Eileen) Darling of Tallahassee, Fla.; and Dennis (Joan) Darling of Manakin-Sabot, Va.; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 North Michigan Street.
Friends may visit with the family from 4 p.m. until time of service on Friday at the funeral home.
Graveside services will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the New Oak Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Studebaker National Family Association. PO Box 196 Tipp City, OH 45373. www.studebakerfamily.org.