Donna Mae Sullivan

It is with profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Donna Mae Sullivan, a deeply cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Donna passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on February 14, 1931, in Holgate, Ohio, Donna was a beacon of love and kindness throughout her long and fruitful life. She was the beloved daughter of the late Donald and Irene (Ashbacher) Ricker, and she was predeceased by her son Terry Sanders, her sister Eldene Lieb, and her nephew Daniel Sasseen. Donna graduated as the valedictorian of Holgate High School in 1949, a testament to her lifelong love of learning and her dedication to excellence. Her early years were spent on her parents' dairy farm, where she developed a strong work ethic that would carry her throughout her professional life. Donna worked as a bookkeeper at Rettig Music and Johns Manville, and later at the Christian Bookstore in Defiance, where she shared her love for the written word and her faith with all who crossed her path. On June 27, 1975, Donna married the love of her life, Harlan G. Sullivan. Together, they created a life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering faith. They cherished their annual hiking trips in the Smoky Mountains, a tradition Donna lovingly continued with her dear friend Janet Dane after Harlan's passing in 2006. Donna's home was always filled with laughter, as she delighted in playing her favorite game, Chicken Foot, with her friends and neighbors, a joy she continued to share with her newfound friends at Vancrest of Hicksville. Donna was a woman of deep faith, a proud and faithful member of Bethel Christian Church in Arthur, Ohio. She was actively involved in the Underground Evangelism Outreach program and DASH, sharing her love for the Lord with everyone she met. Donna had a unique gift for making friends; she never knew a stranger and carried a message of love and salvation to all she encountered. Her favorite scriptures—John 14:1-6, Proverbs 3:5-6, and Psalm 84:11-12—were a source of strength and guidance throughout her life, and she shared them on every check she wrote. Donna leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished by her son Ken (Robin) Sanders of Hicksville, OH, her daughter-in-law Kristen Sydney Sanders of Columbus, OH, her brother Lowell (Sharon) Ricker of Defiance, her five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy, and her love and wisdom will continue to guide them. A service to celebrate Donna's life will be held on May 22, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Bethel Christian Church, a place that held a special place in Donna's heart. Donna Mae Sullivan was a woman of grace, strength, and unwavering faith. Her life was a testament to the power of love and the importance of faith. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her message to all remains: "that they know the Lord Jesus, be saved and share heaven with me." May she rest in peace, reunited with her loved ones in the eternal embrace of the Lord.