Donna Mae (Ricker) Sullivan

It is with profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Donna Mae Sullivan, a deeply cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Donna passed away peacefully at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana on May 18, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on February 14, 1931, in Holgate, Ohio, Donna was a beacon of love and kindness throughout her long and fruitful life.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Donald and Irene (Ashbacher) Ricker, and she was predeceased by her husband Harlan, son Terry Sanders, her sister Eldene Lieb, and her nephew Daniel Sasseen. Donna graduated as the valedictorian of Holgate High School in 1949, a testament to her lifelong love of learning and her dedication to excellence. Her early years were spent on her parents' dairy farm, where she developed a strong work ethic that would carry her throughout her professional life. Donna worked as a bookkeeper at Rettig Music and Johns Manville, and later at the Christian Bookstore in Defiance, where she shared her love for the written word and her faith with all who crossed her path. On June 27, 1975, Donna married the love of her life, Harlan G. Sullivan. Together, they created a life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering faith. They cherished their annual hiking trips in the Smoky Mountains, a tradition Donna lovingly continued with her dear friend Janet Dane after Harlan's passing in 2006. Donna's home was always filled with laughter, as she delighted in playing her favorite game, Chicken Foot, with her friends and neighbors, a joy she continued to share with her newfound friends at Vancrest of Hicksville.

Donna was a woman of deep faith, a proud and faithful member of Bethel Christian Church in Arthur, Ohio. For many years, she along with her husband, were involved in the Underground Evangelism Outreach program sharing her love for the Lord with everyone she met. Donna had a unique gift for making friends; she never knew a stranger and carried a message of love and salvation to all she encountered. Her favorite scriptures-John 14:1-6, Proverbs 3:5-6, and Psalm 84:11-12-were a source of strength and guidance throughout her life, and she shared them on every check she wrote. Donna leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished by her son Ken (Robin) Sanders of Hicksville, OH, her daughter-in-law Kristen Sydney Sanders of Columbus, OH, grandchildren Jessica (Nick) Slattery of Hicksville, OH, Brandy (Tom) Stapleton of Antwerp, OH, Kelsey Sydney Sanders and Kyler Sydney Sanders both of Columbus, OH and Tarayn Sydney Sanders of Brooklyn, New York, also seven great-grandchildren, three great great-grandchildren, her brother Lowell (Sharon) Ricker of Defiance, as well as beloved nieces and nephews who lovingly knew her as Aunt Emmo. Her family was her greatest joy, and her love and wisdom will continue to guide them.

Donna was a woman of grace, strength, and unwavering faith. Her life was a testament to the power of love and the importance of faith. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her message to all remains: "that they know the Lord Jesus, be saved and share heaven with me." May she rest in peace, reunited with her loved ones in the eternal embrace of the Lord.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 3 pm to 7:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A service to celebrate Donna's life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:00 am at Bethel Christian Church of Arthur, with Pastor Chris Baker officiating. There will be an additional hour of visitation before the service at the church. Donna will be laid to rest in Riverview Memory Gardens of Defiance. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Eric Bass officiating.

Preferred memorials can be directed to Bethel Christian Church of Arthur, which held a special place in Donna's heart. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.