Donna Mae Sturgis

APPLE CREEK -- Donna Mae (Sturgis) Zimmerly, 80, of Apple Creek, passed away Monday morning, Jan. 18, 2016, at Brenn-Field Nursing Home in Orrville.

Donna was born in Apple Creek on Jan. 31, 1935, to the late Dwight and Mary (Parrish) Sturgis, and graduated from Apple Creek High School with honors.

Donna Zimmerly, 80, Apple Creek

On July 18, 1953, she married Daniel E. Zimmerly. The couple were married in the then new Foursquare Gospel Church on South Market Street, Wooster, by the late Rev. Floyd J. Brock and remained members of the church throughout the years.

She was an active member of the church, serving as Sunday school teacher, children's church teacher, deaconess, council member and was involved in the women's ministry programs.

Her interests were many: working on crafts, macram, camping, playing softball and traveling. She loved to help others and volunteered as a Hospice and Meals-on-Wheels worker.

Donna was an only child and took good care of her parents as they got older, changing her plans to accommodate their needs. She was a faithful wife and a wonderful mother to her children; her priorities were God, church, family, others and herself last. She would often do with less so others could have more.

Surviving are her husband, Daniel; a son, Steven Zimmerly of Apple Creek; grandchildren, Kylie Allison Zimmerly of Cincinnati, Nathaniel Joel "Nate" Zimmerly of Nashville, Tenn., and Calvin Jacob of Apple Creek; and a daughter-in-law, Patricia Zimmerly of Anaheim Calif.

She was preceded in death by sons, Joel Daniel and Keith Edwin.

In death she willed her body to research, hoping to benefit others to enjoy a better life.

A celebration of her life will be Saturday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. at Wooster Foursquare Gospel Church, 3670 Friendsville Road, Wooster, where friends may call from 10:30-11 a.m. prior to the services. The Rev. Darin Stambaugh will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wooster Foursquare Missions; or a charity of your choice.