Donna L. Asa

For those who knew Donna Asa best, it was her fun-loving spirit and kind nature which drew others to her side. She counted her family as her greatest treasure, and in them she found the greatest joy. Forever remembered in the hearts of many, she will be deeply missed.

The decade of the 1960s ushered in an entirely new way of thinking within the culture of America. The Vietnam War was at the forefront, and young people everywhere were learning how to make their voices heard. Many found reprieve in the form of drive-in theaters, music of the day, and beloved television shows. It was during these changing times on a beautiful, Indiana autumn day when William and Margaret (Hedrick) Kintzel of Columbia City welcomed the birth of their daughter, Donna, born on October 9, 1962.

A lifetime area resident of Columbia City, Donna enjoyed a childhood typical of her generation. From summertime days roaming the neighborhood to winter snowball fights and building snowmen, she spent much of her time with her siblings, Jeff, Le Anne, Cindy, and Penny. Donna had a special love for animals and during her youth she was an active member of 4-H. She and her family always had horses, and one time when the horses escaped Donna decided the best way to get out of the way was to climb up a tree in their path and hang upside down.

Donna attended the local schools where she made many good friends. She played volleyball for time, and in her earlier years she worked at one of the local restaurants to save enough money to buy a TV she had longed for. Donna graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1981. She went on to further her education, earning a certificate in business administration. For several years Donna worked at Magnavox as an assembler and for the last 16 years she worked as a letter carrier for U.S. Postal Service.

However, it was shortly after high school when Donna was working at the Junction Restaurant when a handsome coworker, Dellas Asa caught her eye. She bugged him until he gave in to giving her a ride on his motorcycle. After that first ride they went out for pizza together, and 15 of Donnas friends showed up to join them! Worried the entire time that hed have to pay for everyone, Dellas was quite relieved when the check came and everyone divided it up equally and he only had to pay for the two of them!

Their first date together was only the beginning of a deep, abiding love between Donna and Dellas. On July 18, 1982 Donna married P. Dellas Asa in Columbia City, and before long they began a family of their own. They soon welcomed their first child, Steven. Alicia soon followed; later Kelli, Brad, and Andy came to complete their family. Through the years memorable times were shared during the holidays and celebrating other family milestones which will always be treasured. Donna made a good home for Dellas and her children. She was a good mother who loved her family immensely, along with their two dogs, Skippy and Bruce. True to her nature, Donnas love for animals continued.

Donna enjoyed baking and decorating cakes and cookies. She made many of the birthday cakes in their family, and she always had a tasty treat or two around that never seemed to last long. Working in her gardens brought Donna much peace and contentment, along with the beautiful flowers she was able to grow in abundance. Quite the bargain shopper, Donna liked shopping for a good deal. Donna also loved fishing and would often take her family to Minnesota or southern Indiana to do so. She always brought good luck to those she went fishing with. More than anything, spending time with her grandchildren brought Donna the greatest joy.

The type of woman who could easily laugh at herself, Donna was quite a character at times. One morning she decided to go through McDonalds on her way to work. Her eyes began bothering her and as she continued to rub them, the pain was getting increasingly worse. When she reached into her pocket, she discovered her pepper spray had gone off and she was unfortunately rubbing it into her eyes. Another time when she was cleaning their 55 gallon fish tank she accidentally doused herself completely with the well water, and boy was it cold! As she screamed, Dellas look at her dumbfounded and said, Can we rewind that so I can film it?

Donna had her own share of talents, too! One morning she was getting ready to make breakfast and when she went to grab a pan she did a half twist jump, all while lifting her leg to let out the biggest womp. Needless to say, she had everyone in the family laughing! Last Christmas proved to be quite a time when Donna bought adult ingredients to make oatmeal cookie shots. She didnt drink often, but the shots were delicious. She really liked them and proceeded to have more until the rest of the night she was laughing so hard she fell right out of the chair!

When Donna and her family moved to Houston for a time she met her best friend, Sherry. She always answered the phone, hey girlie, and theyd talk about everything. Sometimes theyd enjoy talking about Donnas favorite ghost shows, and she was always interested in how things were going for her dear friend. Everyone liked Donna. She was always willing to help someone and her ever present smile and boisterous laughter brightened the days of others. All of her coworkers said she was a hard worker and they all absolutely loved her.

Donna Asa gave from the heart. She loved nothing better than bringing a little lighthearted sunshine to the days of others, and her beautiful smile were the rays. She gave selflessly, never expecting anything in return, and she held those she loved close to her heart. Dearly missed, Donna will be remembered for all that she was and will continue to be in the wonderful memories she leaves behind.

Donna Lynn Asa, age 53, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 7:08 p.m. on Thursday February 11, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Survivors include her loving husband of 33 years, P. Dellas Asa of Columbia City; children, Steven (Kristina) Asa of Auburn, Alicia (Stephen Rounds) Asa and Kelli (Aaron) Russell, both of Lafayette, IN, and Brad (Aimee Evert) Kintzel of Danville, IN; grandchildren, Cameron, Caleb, Kylie Asa, and one granddaughter on the way; parents, William Bill and Margaret Kintzel of South Whitley; siblings, Le Anne Grossman of South Whitley, Cindy (Bill) Bolinger of Columbia City, Jeff Kintzel of Fort Wayne, and Penny (Roger) Juillerat of South Whitley; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Andy Kintzel.

Friends may call on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 3-5 6-8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive Columbia City. Funeral services for Donna will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the funeral home with calling one hour prior. Burial will follow in South Park Annex Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial contributions in memory of Donna may be made to the Fort Wayne Childrens Zoo. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to sign her online guest register and to share a favorite memory or to send a condolence.