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Author: chastain
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Donna Carol (Gerkin) KendallPassing: February 19, 2024

Service:

Chastain Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Saturday, February 24th @ 1:00pm

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Saturday, February 24th @ 11:00am-1:00pm

Cemetery:

No Burial

MITCHELL –Donna Carol (Gerkin) Kendall, 75, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024, at Majestic Care of Bedford.

Born November 24, 1948, in Bedford, she was the daughter of Lloyd and Jessie Collen (Carroll) Gerkin. 

Donna was a 1966 graduate of Mitchell High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Oakland City University. She was prolific artist, and won national recognition in high school. Donna worked for the Mitchell Tribune for many years. She was a master at crocheting and created so much beautiful artwork. Donna enjoyed traveling and being outdoors to garden, fish, and go mushroom hunting. She was loved by her family and community. Donna was a wonderful role model as a mother, and as a hardworking and independent woman.

Surviving are her children, Douglas (Sandra) Kendall of Orleans, Carol Lynn Conley-Barber of Frankfort, Illinois, and Michael Kendall of Mitchell; grandchildren, Andrew (Rebecca) Barber, David (Kelsey) Kendall, Angela (Luis Luna) Kendall, and Aaron Barber; great-grandchildren, Luke, Gabriel, and one on the way; siblings, Julie (Steve) Drake of Lebanon, Steve Gerkin of Mitchell, Brian (Peggy) Gerkin of Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.

Her parents and son, Phillip Kendall, preceded her in death.          

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 24, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial Donations:  American Lung Association

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20 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Bridget Roberts Auvenshine | Tucson, AZ
    Date: February 28, 2024
    Donna was one of my very first friends when we lived on Brook Street in Mitchell. We walked to elementary school together. We reconnected a few years ago on Facebook. Sweet memories....
  2. Guest: Diane Jendrek | Bedford
    Date: February 24, 2024
    My condolences to the family. May God's peace and love fill your hearts at this time and always.
  3. Guest: Chris Clouse | Bloomington, IN
    Date: February 24, 2024
    I was so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. Prayers for peace and comfort for you all.
  4. Guest: Karl Lentini | Lockhart, TX
    Date: February 23, 2024
    Donna and my mother Joan Lentini went to Oakland City University together. They were lifelong friends and Donna was very kind and gracious to me and my mother as well whenever I visited. My mother's face always lit up when I mentioned Donna. God bless her.
  5. Guest: Cathy Brewer | Bedford
    Date: February 23, 2024
    To all, Our deepest sympathy. Donna was a very sweet and caring lady. Love and prayers, Cathy, Greg, and Adam Brewer
  6. Guest: Ruby Nelson | Alameda, CA
    Date: February 23, 2024
    Oh my! I will miss Donna as we enjoyed many times on Facebook together besides being sisters-in-laws to Julie and Steve. She would share her mushroom pictures every spring. My condolences to the family.
  7. Guest: Danny Williams | Bedford Indiana
    Date: February 22, 2024
    Donna was always glad to see me and talk. I liked her from way back. Comes from good family. Danny Williams
  8. Guest: Denise Lonigro | Joliet
    Date: February 22, 2024
    Dear Carol, I offer my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Denise Lonigro (Illinois State Police)
  9. Guest: Dee Thomas | South Royalton, VT
    Date: February 21, 2024
    We were riding in the car…Paul a friend was scared of moths and was squawking in the backseat…became quite annoying…Donna calmed him with a few words…Potlucks and cards at our house in Oolitic Lunch on the Square in Bedford. Beautiful friend…miss you Donna ❤❤❤
  10. Guest: Dee Thomas | South Royalton VT
    Date: February 21, 2024
    We were riding in the car…Paul a friend was scared of butterflies and was squawking in the backseat…became quite annoying…Donna calmed him with a few words… Potlucks and cards at our house in Oolitic Lunch on the Square in Bedford… Beautiful friend…miss you Donna ❤❤❤
  11. Guest: Peggy Payton Peter | New Albany, In
    Date: February 21, 2024
    Donna and I were both in the Class of 66. I enjoyed reconnecting with her as we gathered to eat lunch with other classmates these past few years. I remember her as always kind and soft-spoken. My prayers will be for her family and I will thank God for having known her.
  12. Guest: Dayna Sorrells | Bedford
    Date: February 21, 2024
    I'm so sorry for your loss.Donna was such a kind person.
  13. Guest: Judy Wheat | Orleans indiana
    Date: February 20, 2024
    A beautiful person inside and out. I didn't get to see Donna often but always enjoyed our time together. Donna's grandfather my grandfather were brothers.
  14. Guest: Elaine Raeburn | Escondido, California
    Date: February 20, 2024
    I’m so sorry to hear about her passing. We were classmates in grade school.
  15. Guest: Maria King | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: February 20, 2024
    I took care of Donna at mc got really close to her we had automatic connection.. she will always have a place in my heart ..
  16. Guest: Brenda Bex | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: February 20, 2024
    I have fond memories of Donna and her family.
  17. Guest: Pamela Earl Pridemore | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: February 20, 2024
    So sorry for your loss. Donna and I were good friends and classmates. She was a very kind and caring person, she will be missed.
  18. Guest: Rob & Evelyn Williams | Mitchell, Indiana 47446
    Date: February 20, 2024
    We will always remember Donna as a kind caring person. She was considerate of those who she came in contact with. We valued her friendship and as a classmate as well. Our thoughts an prayers for the family. Rob and Evelyn Williams
  19. Guest: Patty Cottengain | Orleans IN
    Date: February 20, 2024
    I am so sorry for your loss. I really thought a lot of Donna. She was one of the sweetest people I knew. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
  20. Guest: Shirley Terrell | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: February 20, 2024
    So sorry for your family's loss. I have fond memories of Donna as a student at Oakland City University. Prayers for comfort for all.

Phone: (812) 849-2600 | Fax: (812) 849-3323 | email: services@chastainfuneralhome.com

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center