Donna Jo Frye

Donna Jo Frye of LaRue, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at Marion General Hospital in Marion, Ohio. Born on August 21, 1941, in Lancaster, Ohio, Donna was the daughter of Donald and Twila Senff. She was the youngest of three daughters and grew up surrounded by family and lifelong friendships that she cherished throughout her life.

Donna attended Marion Harding High School and was a proud graduate of the Class of 1959. She was a dedicated long-term employee of Marion General Hospital, where she touched the lives of countless patients, coworkers, and friends with her kindness and warm spirit. A former member of Forest Lawn Presbyterian Church, Donna was known for her warm personality, welcoming smile, and genuine love of people. She never met a stranger and had a special gift for making everyone feel valued and appreciated. Donna was a fisherman at heart and found great joy on the water. She also had an extraordinary love for animals. Cats and dogs were her family, and she never allowed a stray animal to go without food, shelter, or care. Over the years, she lovingly nurtured many animals back to health, embodying her compassionate and generous spirit.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Twila Senff; her sisters, Barbara and Patricia; and her beloved son, Michael.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, John Frye; her daughter, Jennifer Garza; and the daughters she lovingly embraced as her own, Michelle (Jim) Baughman, Lisa Burke, and Jean (Scott) Eversole. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Erika (Rob) Marshall, Paxton (Cody) Schwaderer, Clayton Baughman, and Alyson Baughman; Jayden Burke and her beloved great-grandchildren, Rylin and McKinley Marshall, and Eleanor and Brooks Schwaderer. Donna will also be dearly missed by her best friend of 79 years, Judy (Shelton) Lehner, whose lifelong friendship was a treasured blessing.

Donna’s legacy of compassion, generosity, and unconditional love for both people and animals will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her smile, warmth, and caring nature will be remembered always.

“A life filled with kindness leaves a lasting imprint on every heart it touches.”

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion Area Humane Society or the Wyandot County Humane Society.

A private family remembrance will be held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Jo Frye, please visit our floral store.