Donna J. Vermillion

Donna Jean Vermillion, 90, of Gnadenhutten, Ohio, was called to her heavenly home on Friday, April 4, 2025. She left this world for the next as her loving family gave her a going home party filled with love and hymns and prayer. Born July 24, 1934 in Dennison, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Edward Elias and Mabel Leona (Cecil) Huff.

After her 1952 graduation from Uhrichsville High School, Donna married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Donald Raymond “D.V.” Vermillion on August 29, 1952. Together, they shared over 51 years of marriage until his passing on January 29, 2004. They were blessed with four children, Randy Vermillion who preceded her in death in 2024, and Sandy (Don, deceased) Butler, Pam (Chris) Abbuhl, and Kim Baker who survive; a daughter-in-law, Yvonne Vermillion; 11 grandchildren, Ramsey Vermillion, Bri Vermillion, Alice Vermillion, Abby (Matt) Anderson, Maddy Butler, Brody Butler, Rachel (Josh) Maxwell, Tyler (Molly) Abbuhl, Derek J Baker, Kadin Belt, and Jessica Bonnell; and great-grandchildren, Charli, Raider, Colbi, Hawk, Eliza, Gavin, Zoey, Alaina, Ace, Adalynn, Raelynn, Piper, and Maddie. Donna is also survived by her sisters, Betty Lou (Ronald, deceased) Matthews and Connie (Fred, deceased) Moore; brothers, Kenneth (Ramona, deceased) and Dick (Karen) Huff; numerous nieces and nephews; many, many dear friends; and a loving church family.

In addition to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker, Donna had spent 8 years working for Ohio Bell in the 1950s and had also been employed at General Telephone in New Philadelphia. In her later years, she loved being a caregiver for a variety of families in the area – starting at the age of 70 and continuing as long as her health allowed. She bowled for 42 years and spent many years going roller skating with her husband twice per week.

Donna’s faith and her deep love for the Lord played a central role in her life, beginning in her youth when she was a member of Brownsville Christian Church. For most of her adult life, she was an active member of Park Christian Church in Dennison where she played a central role in Phoebe’s Friends and served her brothers and sisters in Christ by providing countless meals in the church’s fellowship hall. Even at the age of 90, she was still serving the Lord by reaching out to uplift and encourage others in her community with calls, visits, and homemade goodies.

Pastor Scot Caley and Pastor David Bryan will officiate a 4:00 p.m. funeral in the sanctuary of Park Christian Church on Saturday, April 12. She will be interred in Gnadenhutten Clay Union Cemetery on a future date. Family and friends are invited to call from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the church, prior to her service. Those wishing to honor her memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to the American Cancer Society, Ohio’s Hospice Foundation, and Park Christian Church.