Dona Ray Gartside

Dona was a cornerstone of her community, dedicating over 50 years to various local causes. She never sought recognition for her efforts, which included organizing numerous fundraisers. Her career spanned a decade at the Accident Fund, but she spent most of her life volunteering and fulfilling her role as a devoted homemaker. Dona's academic journey concluded with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, which underpinned her meticulous organization skills in both her professional and volunteer endeavors.

Her commitment extended to various organizations, such as the DeWitt Booster Club, Clinton County Food Pantry, Memorial Board Association, and the Red Hat Society, Ronald McDonald House, Meals on Wheels, and the Delta-DeWitt Ledges Lioness Lions Club. She was also an active election worker for the City of DeWitt and was honored as the City of DeWitt Citizen of the Year in 1990.

Dona married Terry Gartside on September 16, 1961, and their union was blessed with three children. She is survived by her husband and children Kirk Gartside (Cori), Karlyn Wickham (Gordon), and Kent Gartside (Rachel Hollenback). She was a loving grandmother to four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Dona will be deeply missed by her husband of 63 years, her family, and her many friends.

A visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman DeWitt chapel located at 205 E. Washington St. DeWitt, MI 48820 on Friday, November 1st from 10am-12pm. A service will follow the visitation starting at 12pm, and burial will take place at DeWitt cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the organizations that were close to Dona's heart, either the Delta-DeWitt Ledges Lioness Lions Club: Send checks to: Wendy Mater at 6180 Granger Rd. Mulliken MI 48861 or the Hospice House of Shiawassee County 2005 Copas Rd. Owosso, MI 48867 continuing her legacy of service and community support.