Donna Jean Wilkinson

Donna Jean Wilkinson, 88, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at her residence following a period of declining health.

A daughter of the late Edgar and Myrta (Gartrell) Beans, Donna was born April 2, 1927 at Sherrodsville, Ohio.

Donna graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1945. Then, on July 20, 1949, she married Wayne C. Wilkinson and together they raised one daughter, Amy. The couple shared 63 years of marriage prior to Wayne’s passing on December 21, 2012.

Donna retired from Verizon Telephone Company where she worked for more than 38 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia. Donna was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes Football team and Band as well as a fan of NASCAR racing. Most of all she was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy (Kevin) Puhl of New Philadelphia; a granddaughter, Amanda (companion, Ken Stepp) Malcuit of New Philadelphia; two step-granddaughters, Kristin Pauli of Alliance and Vicki Puhl of Boardman and her faithful companion, her dog, Spike.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne and two sisters, Janice Pongrat and Joan Hall.

In keeping with Donna’s wishes, private family services will be held with interment taking place in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling arrangements.

Contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County for their care and compassion during Donna’s illness.