Donna J Schindler

Loving mom, grandma and retired daycare provider, Donna Schindler passed away peacefully at the age of 69 on July 15, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Donna was surrounded by loved ones who will honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Donna was born to Wilfred and Donna Frost on February 9, 1953 in Hoven, South Dakota. After graduation from high school she moved to Stayton, OR, married Ronald Schindler, raised her family and operated an in-home daycare for over 40 years. Donna and Ron had three children: Jacquie (Matt), Karen and Leonard (Toni) and 5 grandchildren: Rionna, Landon, Andrew, Ayla and Zoe.

For many years Donna was active with the International Order of Foresters where she served as branch president and treasurer and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. She was also a supporter of the Gilbert House Children’s Museum where she sponsored a farmer’s market in memory of Ron. Because of her support of the museum, the Gilbert House presented her with the Great Friends to Kids Award in 2006.

Most important, though, Donna will be remembered for the impact she had on hundreds of children as their daycare provider and for her staunch support of her children’s and grand children’s athletic and school events. She was a well known fixture bringing her baked goods and cheering enthusiastically to support her local teams. She also was well known in the community for sharing her baked goods with one and all.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, July 24th at 10 AM at Virgil T Golden funeral home at 605 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97301. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Gilbert House Children’s Museum in her and Ron’s memory.

Donna is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, and nine siblings. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Ronald Schindler, her mother Donna Lutgen Frost, her father Wilfred Frost and one sister Pamela Frost Houston.