Donna Jean Apling, age 84, passed away at her home on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and under the care of Hospice of Lenawee.
Donna was the youngest and only daughter of Ray and Dorothy (Davis) Patrick’s four children. She was born on November 26, 1940, in Toledo, Ohio. She attended Whitmer Public Schools while growing up and graduated with the Class of 1959. Donna went on to attend the University of Toledo obtaining her bachelor’s degree in education.
It was during high school that Donna met her future husband, David Apling. The story goes that they met at a YMCA dance after Dave noticed her. He had to work up the courage to ask Donna to dance but thankfully she said yes; and from then on, the two became high school sweethearts. After graduating high school and the University of Toledo together they made it official and were married on November 23, 1963, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio. They shared over 51 incredible years together raising a family and running Devils Lake Water Sports before his passing in 2014.
Donna taught English at Whitmer High School before they started a family. She embraced being a mother and all the joys that came with making a house a home. Donna was naturally gifted in interior design and loved hosting family and friends. Known for her kindness and sense of humor, she remained active with her Pi Beta Phi Sorority throughout her life and cherished the many friendships she shared. For over 30 years Donna and Dave called Marco Island, Florida home during the winter. They enjoyed boating together and made epic journeys aboard the “Donna Jean”, including trips along the eastern seaboard and throughout the Great Lakes. Donna enjoyed the Adrian Symphony Orchestra and supported the Lenawee Humane Society. She adopted a rescue dog, Charlie, who provided her countless adventures in their 19 years together. Family was Donna’s greatest treasure.
She is survived by her sons, Michael Apling (Jennifer Watson) and Patrick (Laurie) Apling; grandchildren, Andrew (Jade Huffman) Apling, Katie Apling, Thomas Apling, Mason Watson and Colin Watson; and brother, Allen (Jeanie) Patrick. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David; and brothers, Ray Patrick and Melvin Patrick.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, with Rev. Larry Betz officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Monday evening, April 21, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lenawee Humane Society or the National Kidney Foundation.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
Donna was the youngest and only daughter of Ray and Dorothy (Davis) Patrick’s four children. She was born on November 26, 1940, in Toledo, Ohio. She attended Whitmer Public Schools while growing up and graduated with the Class of 1959. Donna went on to attend the University of Toledo obtaining her bachelor’s degree in education.
It was during high school that Donna met her future husband, David Apling. The story goes that they met at a YMCA dance after Dave noticed her. He had to work up the courage to ask Donna to dance but thankfully she said yes; and from then on, the two became high school sweethearts. After graduating high school and the University of Toledo together they made it official and were married on November 23, 1963, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio. They shared over 51 incredible years together raising a family and running Devils Lake Water Sports before his passing in 2014.
Donna taught English at Whitmer High School before they started a family. She embraced being a mother and all the joys that came with making a house a home. Donna was naturally gifted in interior design and loved hosting family and friends. Known for her kindness and sense of humor, she remained active with her Pi Beta Phi Sorority throughout her life and cherished the many friendships she shared. For over 30 years Donna and Dave called Marco Island, Florida home during the winter. They enjoyed boating together and made epic journeys aboard the “Donna Jean”, including trips along the eastern seaboard and throughout the Great Lakes. Donna enjoyed the Adrian Symphony Orchestra and supported the Lenawee Humane Society. She adopted a rescue dog, Charlie, who provided her countless adventures in their 19 years together. Family was Donna’s greatest treasure.
She is survived by her sons, Michael Apling (Jennifer Watson) and Patrick (Laurie) Apling; grandchildren, Andrew (Jade Huffman) Apling, Katie Apling, Thomas Apling, Mason Watson and Colin Watson; and brother, Allen (Jeanie) Patrick. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David; and brothers, Ray Patrick and Melvin Patrick.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, with Rev. Larry Betz officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Monday evening, April 21, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lenawee Humane Society or the National Kidney Foundation.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
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