Donna Lou Johnson

Donna Lou Johnson, 96, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away at 6:30 am Monday, January 6, 2025, at her home after a brief illness. She was born on September 25, 1928, in Wabash, Indiana to the late Edward M. and Elva Louise (Dawes) Reynolds. She grew up in Wabash and Rich Valley, Indiana and attended Linlawn High School in Wabash County. 

Donna worked for the Whitley County Schools at both the Etna Troy School and Indian Springs Middle School Retiring when she was 89. During this time, Donna also went back to school attending Purdue University to pursue a nursing degree. 

Donna loved to travel with her husband Delbert and close friends, traveling out west and to the Navy Ship reunions. Donna and her husband also camped at the Barbee Lake Chain during the summer where they met a lot of new friends. 

She lived on the family farm for over 65 years and saw many changes take place at the homestead. She was a woman of strong conviction who had many hobbies and interests including crossword puzzles, watching old movies and listening to big band music. She was a self taught woman of resilience and had a vibrant personality that will be missed. Donna always cherished her time with family and friends.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, Delbert Johnson; children, Larry (Catherine Wood) Alberding, Pamela (Phelim) Brady; stepchildren, Gary Alberding, Tim (Deb) Alberding, Deborah (John) Carlin, Sandy (Errol) Wysong Dunn, Debbie Fey, Robin (Delbert) Rhymer, Anita Koenemann; grandchildren, Tina (Steve) Konger, Tracey (Steve) Purdy, Terry Alberding, Troy (Dawn) Alberding, Craig (Kathy Carr) Norris, Brooke (Tim) Waikel, Jason Fey, Kristen Fey, Dale, JR., Brandy, Ashley and Jenna; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sibling, Jay (Barbara) Reynolds; step siblings, Greg Reynolds, Julie Green, Darren Reynolds; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Ed Alberding; sister, Nanette Ames; step son, Tom Alberding; and step daughter-in-law, Candy Alberding.

The family would like to thank the doctor and nurses at the Parkview Hospice Group Services.

Visitation will be 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday, January 12, 2025, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday, January 13, 2025, with calling one hour prior also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be given in memory of Donna to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Parkview Hospice. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Donna's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.