Donna Fae (Thompson) Harris, age 87 of Sparta, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 16, 2023, in her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on November 3, 1935 in Verdunville, West Virginia to Blanche (Ball) Candioto and Edgar F. Thompson. At the age of three, she moved to Ohio. She attended Sparta High School (Class of 1954).
Donna married Carroll Harris on June 29, 1957 at Sparta United Methodist Church. They were married for nearly 64 years and had three children together: Cindy, Cathy, and Chet.
Family was everything to Donna and she loved working side-by-side with her husband to grow the family farm, including the cow and hog business. Donna’s dedication and work ethic were evident as she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Ohio University, followed by a master’s degree from the University of La Verne. She taught first and second grade for eight years at Sparta Elementary and spent 22 years teaching at Centerburg. “Miss Donna” as her students called her, was a beloved teacher, who rarely forgot a name or a face. She loved teaching and loved all her students.
Throughout her life, she enjoyed many hobbies and activities. A spirit-filled cheerleader in high school, a ping pong champion in college, and the ultimate party thrower in adulthood. From the epic Halloween costumes and fun-filled memorable parties, friends and family were always invited to stop in for a visit. Greeted at the door with a hug, you always felt welcomed, and you never left hungry – Donna would insist that you eat something while you were there to visit. Many will remember gathering around the kitchen bar, sharing a cup of coffee and probably a donut.
From New Year’s Eve parties to summertime pool parties, Donna was ready for it all. She had decorations for every holiday and a matching sweater as well. All were welcome to come swim, but you had to follow the pool rules. It was no surprise that the pool quickly became the gathering place for Fourth of July parties with family and friends. Some may even remember when she herself took a trip down the pool slide.
Donna also enjoyed playing cards and dominoes and she usually won! Her innocent smile and sweet laugh made it impossible to get mad at her for winning, though. She loved music and dancing, too and spent many Saturday nights watching her favorite singer Daniel O’Donnell on TV. There was always laughter, food, and fun when you were with Donna.
She also took pride in gardening and loved her flowers, especially her roses. She loved canning and freezing vegetables with her family, as well.
Remember that she is a cheerleader at heart and an avid sports fan. She was always ready for game day to root for The Ohio State Buckeyes and her OU Bobcats. Donna especially cheered for all her grandchildren and their sports teams. She was their biggest fan and encourager.
Donna loved to be on the go. She enjoyed taking trips with friends, including to Las Vegas. Carroll and Donna also were snowbirds and loved their second home in Zellwood Station, Florida. You could find them in their golf cart heading over to visit friends, playing shuffleboard, cards, or dominoes, and piecing together puzzles in the sunroom. And just like their home in Ohio, everyone was always welcome at Donna and Carroll’s place.
They had so many life-long friendships and lasting memories that they would continue to share over the years.
Donna was a faithful, Christian woman who was a valued member of The Sparta United Methodist Church. She sang in the choir, volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, and served many other roles in the church. Her Sparta Community was very important to her, and if there was a need, Donna was going to help.
Donna touched so many lives with her kind heart and generous soul. She was selfless, caring, compassionate, and unconditionally kind. To know her was to love her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll, her brothers Johnny (Grace) Thompson, and Wetzel Thompson, sisters, Helen (James) Bywater and Pattie Barnhardt, her brothers-in-law, Milt (Mary) Harris, Morris (Roberta) Harris, Hoy Jr. (Dorothy) Harris and Dale Spearman.
She leaves behind her sister-in-law Mary “Sis” (Harris) Spearman and Mary Thompson, daughters Cindy (Andy) Pursel and Cathy (Mike) Tonyan, and son Chet (Patty) Harris. Grandchildren: Brooke (Justin) Walker, Lyndsey Tonyan, Paige (Fred) Hewitt, Ross (Beth) Tonyan, Nicole Tonyan, Zane Harris and Cade Harris. Great grandchildren: Joey and Sloane Hewitt, Maddox, Maverick and Nash Walker, and Larkin Tonyan.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions be made to Capital City Hospice: 2800 Corporate Exchange Drive Suite 170 Columbus, OH 43231.
