Donna K. Gargas

Donna Kathaleen (Lilly) Gargas, 67, of Ponce Inlet, beloved wife of Michael E. Gargas, died Thursday, October 13, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 12, 1949 in Santa Margarita Ranch, daughter of Col. BJ (deceased) and Jeanette (Goodwin) Lilly. In addition to her husband, she is survived by 3 daughters and their husbands, Tanya and BJ West of Cary, NC, Tara and Eric Novotny of Waterford, VA, Tammy and Peter Ferris of Glastonbury, CT, a sister and her husband, Susan and Col. William Harvey, a brother Douglas Lilly, and 6 grandchildren Tyler, Derek, Brooke, Chloe, Michael, and Anita. She was preceded in death by her brother 1st Lt. Lawrence Lilly.

Donna was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She exemplified courage and grace by embracing humor. She was the queen of her own life and the choice was hers to live it to its greatest potential. She never let the obstacles at hand stop her from spending time with her family, seeing the beautiful sites this world has to offer, and laughing along the way.

A memorial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 4815 Clyde Morris Boulevard, Port Orange, Florida 32129. In lieu of flowers, please perform a purposeful act of kindness. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.volusiamemorialfuneral.com Arrangements under the direction of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach, FL.