Donna Jean Whiton, age 96, of Adrian, died Thursday evening, July 24, 2025, at her home on the farm while under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. She was born May 16, 1929, in Adrian, to Robert and Edna (Beekel) Neal. Donna married Wesley Wayne Whiton on September 29, 1949, in Adrian. Together they raised a family of five children and enjoyed a remarkable 70 years of happy memories before his passing on November 4, 2019.
Donna was a respected school teacher who spent her entire career in public schools within Lenawee County, teaching in Adrian and Blissfield before her last 20 years at Hudson Area Schools. She retired in 1986. Donna was a longtime member of Cadmus Presbyterian Church. Donna enjoyed spinning, knitting, quilting and sewing.
Donna is survived by her four daughters, Susan (Vernon) Whiton-Halter of Willow Lake, AK, Patricia (Tom) Lucas of Adrian, Nancy Wild of Adrian, and Doreen (Randy) Abling of Adrian; daughter-in-law, Barbara Avery-Whiton of Lake Orion, MI; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Frank Arthur Whiton.
The family will receive friends for a visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until a funeral service begins at 12:00 p.m. Pastor Doug Holmes will officiate. Cremation will follow the service, and Donna will be interred with her late husband in Dover Center Cemetery near Clayton.
Memorial contributions in Donna’s name can be directed to Hospice of Lenawee or the Cadmus Presbyterian Church. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.