Dona Sue Hitt Ketron

Services for Dona will be held at First United Methodist Church, 415 N. Lee, Odessa, TX, on Thursday, October 13, 2011, at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Terry Tamplen and Rev. Donnie Williams officiating. A brief second service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 102 Donald Preston Dr., Wolfforth, TX Thursday, October 13 at 4:00 PM, with Rev. Rick Jones officiating. Interment will take place at the Wolfforth Cemetery following the second service.

Visitation with the family will be at 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at the Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home, 601 N. Alleghaney, Odessa, TX. Memorials may be sent to a charity of one’s choice.

Dona is survived by her husband Kenneth Ketron of Odessa, daughter Suzanne Ketron-Crespell and husband Marc Crespell of Austin, TX, two sons: William Walter Wilkinson of Wolfforth, TX, and Kenneth Ketron, Jr. and wife Rene of Seminole, TX. Dona is preceded in death by her daughter Allison Leigh “DonAnn” Wilkinson.

Dona is also survived by two sisters: Mary Sewell of Lubbock, TX and Martha Phillips and husband Dale of Denton, TX; two brothers: Robert Alexander and wife DeLois of Lubbock, TX and Sammy Joe Hitt and wife Jane of San Antonio, TX.

Dona was extremely proud of her eight grandchildren: Ashley White, Amy Ketron, Cody Ketron, Kassidy Ketron, Sissy King, Kimberly Wilkinson, Kiersten Crespell and Christian Crespell. She also had four great grandchildren.

Dona was born on a farm near Wolfforth, TX, on May 3, 1938, to the late Walter and Loreen Hitt. Dona came from a family of twenty-three children and had a multitude of nieces and nephews—all of whom she loved dearly. All of these nieces and nephews were near and dear to Dona, but none like her age-group fellow classmates Gloria Hitt Ross and Jerry Denton. Dona, Gloria and Jerry graduated from Frenship High School in 1956 and Frenship has never been the same!

After graduation, Dona had hoped to become an airline stewardess but instead began her professional career working for Mayme Powell at the Isbell Powell Beauty School in Lubbock, TX. She had a passion for travel and this job took her to Europe where she was a hair model for Loreal and “got her scissors” after studying with Charles of London. Upon returning to Texas, Dona moved to Houston where Mayme Powell wanted her to train as a hair instructor. After learning the basics, she realized this was not her calling so she went to work at the Baylor University School of Medicine; thus, began her career in the medical field.

After four years in Houston, Dona returned to Lubbock where she spent 9 years working for a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon. In 1978, she moved to Odessa with her husband Ken and worked in the medical offices of Dr. Suresh Gadasalli and Dr. Amaranth Ghanta for over 18 years. In all, Dona spent over 40 years in the medical profession.

Dona was a dedicated member and leader in organizations such as the Society of Medical Assistants and the American Association of Medical Assistants. She served as President, Vice President and other offices in both chapters. On the state level she served as Secretary, Chaplain and Editor of the Texan Beam.

Dona loved the Lord God and praised Him to the end. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Odessa since 1978. Dona was involved with several groups at FUMC such as the UMW Faith Circle where she was the Secretary/Treasurer and was instrumental in supporting the mission of Faith Circle. She was a member of the church's hospitality group and a loyal contributor to the Children's Clothes Closet. She rarely missed her Boosters Sunday school where she was once President and Treasurer. She will truly be missed by her Boosters family.

Dona’s incredible faith and unconditional love was apparent in her everyday life. Her family not only included her husband, children, relatives, church and work families, but sometimes even people on the street. No one was exempt from her love.

The family would like to thank Dr. Gadasalli, Dr. Ghanta, Dr. Renuka Borra and her entire medical team for the excellent care she received during treatment. The family also extends their gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Hospice House in Odessa, Texas where she spent her last few days.

Dona once wrote, “I have traveled many roads. The journey has been good, but still WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR? GOD KNOWS: To love - the greatest commandment.” She loved us all and wanted to make sure we knew it before she left this earth. Dona, we know it, we love you and we will miss you. We know that you are in a better place. Praise God.

Funeral arrangements have been made with Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home of Odessa.