Donna J. Doti

Donna Jean Doti, 98, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 14, 2025.

The youngest of 3 children, Donna was born on August 25, 1926 to John and Emma (Zanichelli ) Ziegler in Frontenac, Kansas. She was lovingly raised by her adoptive parents, her aunt and uncle, Anna C and Joseph Davies. She spent parts of her early life in Vincennes, Indiana and Norton, Virginia before graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Pittsburg, Kansas, in 1944. She later attended Kansas State Teachers College for one year. Afterward, she worked at Western Auto Tire.

She soon met the love of her life, James Andrew Doti. Jim and Donna were married on August 28, 1947. Over 69 years of marriage they welcomed 9 children,16 grandchildren and eventually 12 greatgrandchildren into their family.

Jim’s career required relocating their ever-growing family around the country 7 times before settling in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1972. Together they started Jadcore Plastics Inc. in 1974.

Donna made every house into a warm and welcoming home….wallpapering, cooking, painting, gardening, baking and more cooking. Her kitchen was always the heart of the home. To Donna, food was love, and love was food. That love extended beyond her family to all who walked through her door. She also had a deep love for animals, most recently for her faithful dog, Lady.

Her guiding principle in life was “God is first.” Out of her deep faith she devoted herself to her church, her family and to her community. She gave tirelessly of herself to each.

Donna was an active member of St. Joseph University Parish in which she participated in many aspects of church life including mentoring and instructing many new converts in the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. She was a devoted Secular Franciscan and a life long member of Altar Society and served her community as a Hospice volunteer for 35 years. For her dedication, she was honored with the Dr. William G. Bannon Award in recognition of exceptional leadership and service in her role as a caregiver and volunteer.

Donna was abundantly loved as a friend, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

She is survived by her children: John Doti, Rosanne (Jim) Davis, Brian (Kim) Doti, David (Becky) Doti, Dean (Rebecca) Doti, Rob (Mary) Doti, Maria Doti.

Her grandchildren: Jason (Caitlin) Doti, Chris (Kayla) Doti, Melissa (Keegan) Bruce, Nicole Doti, Anna (Garrison) Dyer, Ryan (Sara) Davis,Christina (Drew) Perry, Derek Doti, Kevin (Ashley) Doti, Al (Michaela) Doti, Clara Doti (Adam Jahn), Sophia Doti, Jim Doti, Douglas Greninger, Gina Greninger, Emma Greninger,

Her great-grandchildren: Ellery, Margot & Willa Davis, Samuel Dyer, Eli &Mason Doti, Hudson & Haidyn Doti, Reagan & Connor Perry, Rhoades & Winnie Doti.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Margaret Evans Johnson, brother John “Bud” Ziegler, husband Jim Doti and her beloved sons James Joseph Doti and Dana Andrew Doti.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to VNA Hospice of the Wabash Valley and most especially the amazing group of women who compassionately cared for her these last years…Debbie Athey, Melissa Willard, Meleah Reed, Mikki Orman, Mary Anne Schaefer, Jennifer Malone, Ashlie Meng, and Brenda Stewart.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th Street with a rosary service at 7:30 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 in St. Joseph University Parish. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to:

• VNA Hospice of the Wabash Valley
• St. Joseph University Parish

If you choose to send flowers they should be sent to the funeral home.