Donna Sue Daily
July 21, 1935 ~ January 1, 2021
Donna Sue Howard Daily, age 85, passed from this life on January 1, 2021in her home east of Columbus. Donna was born July 21, 1935 to Raymond and Myrtle Pulliam Howard in Brown County and moved to East Columbus at a young age.Donna’s father died when she was only seven years old. Her mother worked hard to provide for the family and depended on Donna to care for her two younger brothers. Despite an impoverished childhood, Donna had a positive outlook on life. She attended State Street School and graduated from Columbus High School in 1953. Following graduation, she worked as secretary to the local school superintendent.
Donna married Harold Daily on April 1, 1956, and they were soon raising four children on the farm. Donna was an excellent cook and made especially delicious fried chicken. She was determined that living in the country would not deter her children from extracurricular activities and spent many hours shuttling them to town. Donna was a member of East Columbus Christian Church from an early age, where she volunteered many hours as VBS director, VBS crafts coordinator, and high school youth sponsor. She was active in the church’s ladies’ ministryand enjoyed her Home Ec club. Donna was loyal to her friends and maintained lifelong friendships from childhood.
Although diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago, Donna remembered her family and retained her sweet personality. Her family is grateful for the loving care she received from Dr John Winikates and later Our Hospice of South Central Indiana and several caregivers, allowing her to remain at home until death.
Donna is survived by her loving husband, Harold, and their four children, Susan Perry (Van) of San Antonio, Greg Daily (Michelle) of Columbus, Diana Shuman (Bruce) of Houston, and James Daily (Carol) of Hope. Survivors also include two brothers, Norman Howard of Sun City, AZ and Max Howard of Anderson, 15 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors 4-7 pm, Friday, January 8 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. A private service will be held for family on Saturday with Ron Bridgewater officiating, followed by burial at Garland Brook Cemetery.Please wear bright colors to celebrate Donna’s life. All COVID-19 mandates will be observed, including wearing masks and social distancing. The funeral service will be livestreamed at jewellrittman.com at 10 am Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or East Columbus Christian Church.
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We sincerely smile at every thought of your mother and your family. What a blessed legacy she leaves. Our hearts ache for your loss.
Kevin & Brenda Rager
Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Donna Sue Daily.
Uncle Sue and Aunt Donna is what we called them as kids. Their house was always a fun place to go for the holidays. We love and will miss you Aunt Donna!
Daily Family. I am sorry for your loss. I remember Donna Sue from the years during my high school friendship with Diana. I will remember her as a kind sweet lady who made great fried chicken and always made you feel welcome. May the Lord comfort you during this time of loss and give you hope of eternal life.
Diana Christian Clark.
I am so sorry for your loss. Donna Sue was a joyful woman and lit up any room she was in. She will be missed!
Max and families… .peace and comfort that Donna’s journey is complete and she is home with our LORD…Patricia Voelz-Sandlin ’57..
Basket of Memories was purchased for the family of Donna Sue Daily.
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I grew up living next door to Donna’s mother, Mrs. Howard. Donna was always so pleasant to me when I was a child and was a wonderful daughter to a wonderful mother.
Sympathy to the family for the loss of your matriarch. Greg, as I did not know your mother, the story from my late Mother, was that our mothers were roommates in the Hospital on the day that we were Born. We went to high school together and I always wanted to say that but never did. Prayers be with you during this hard time.
Your Light Shines was purchased for the family of Donna Sue Daily.
Our condolences go out to all the family of Donna. I spent a lot of time in the Daily household growing up, either for church or youth functions, occasionally working, or just hanging out with Greg. Donna always made me feel at home and welcome, and I felt like you all were like a second family. Our thoughts and prayers go with you, and may God bless you all.
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Donna Sue Daily.
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David & Ann Linn purchased the Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant for the family of Donna Sue Daily.
Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Donna Sue Daily.
Donna was a sweetheart, I remember taking swim lessons as an adult when she was afraid of water. She was always the first person to greet a new visitor at church. Well done Donna a great friend and neighbor.
To Harold, Susan, Greg, Diana, jim and all your families! I remember your mother’s smile and how proud she was to talk about all of you when I have seen her over the years! We are so sorry for your loss and pray all of you remember the wonderful memories. We pray those memories can bring you a smile at this time of loss! She is now celebrating her heavenly reward!
Blessings! Lynn and Brenda Dishinger
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Some of my fondest memories of Donna include Diana inviting us from college to help decorate Donna’s famous Christmas cut-out cookies. Donna had everything setup and ready for us in her kitchen and we had such a fun afternoon. She also shared her secret “cornbread” recipe with me after I was first married when I realized I did not know how to make it! I still use her recipe! And I always enjoyed meeting up with Donna, Harold and Diana in July at the 4-H Fair for a yummy fish sandwich at the Conservation Club and maybe go watch one of their grandchildren show a cow or pig with them. Thank you for always making me feel so welcome and may all your wonderful memories sustain you when you miss her most. She is now looking down and watching over all your family.
Love, Darlene