(Lifetime Resident Of Pettisville Area)
Donnabelle Lee (Riegsecker) Burkholder, age 87 years, passed from this life to her eternal home on June 15, 2024.
She was born on August 25, 1936, on the family farm near Lauber Hill in rural Archbold, to Albert and Leah (Smead) Riegsecker.
She married LaVern (Bud) Burkholder on June 2, 1957, at Central Mennonite. Bud preceded her in death on November 5, 1988.
Surviving are their children: Ron (Nancy) Burkholder, Archbold; Cathy (Don) Frey, Wauseon; Dawn (Scott) Thomas, Goshen, IN; and daughter-in-law Joan (Tracy) Wyse, Archbold; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Carol Macey, Cypress, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.Donnabelle was preceded in death by Bud, her parents, son Ken, and siblings Sharon, Norman, and Darold Riegsecker.
She lived her life in the Pettisville area, having graduated from Pettisville High School in 1954. She was a member of Central Mennonite Church.
Although she wasn’t able to attend church services for the past few years, she faithfully watched the live stream each week. She was a prayer warrior for many people, including her family.
After high school, Donnabelle worked at Sauder Woodworking. She began a baking career by making bread and doughnuts from home and selling them.
When the children were young, she took a cake decorating class and became well known for her wedding cakes, birthday cakes, etc.
After the children were all in school, Donnabelle left her baking business and took a factory job at ConAgra (LaChoy), where she worked until retirement, making many good friends.
After retirement, Donnabelle enjoyed making hand-stamped greeting cards. Family, friends, and church members were blessed when receiving her special greetings.
The visitation will be on Wednesday, June 19, at Central Mennonite from 1-2:45 pm, with burial following at the Pettisville Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be at the church at 4 pm, with Pastor Ron Kauffman officiating. A light meal will be served at the church.
Short Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with the arrangements. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to CHP Hospice or Gideon Bibles.
