Donna Thatcher

Donna Rose Thatcher, 79, went home to her lord and savior Jesus Christ on January 7, 2026 surrounded by family at Flower Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio.

She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 7, 1946 to James Thomas "Tom" White and Algerine (Matthews) White.

She was a smart student, having skipped two grades and graduating from George Washington High School in 1963.

Donna married the love of her life and soulmate, Dr. Terry Thatcher on July 9, 1966 in Indianapolis. After short stops in Zanesville, Ohio and Tampa, Florida, they made their home in Fremont in 1970. Their marriage of 59 years was a model of strength, commitment, and deep and abiding faith and love. Together, they raised three children; Troy, Dawn and Todd.

In addition to being a homemaker and working with Terry in his chiropractic practice, she was involved in many organizations for decades. These include the Jaycettes, where she was an officer alongside her lifelong best friend Sandi Blair, United Way (Hot Line and the Sandusky Co. Care Fund, Fremont Area Optimist Club (founding member), Fremont Lions Club, Sandusky County Republican Women, Ohio Federation of Republican Women, Mothers of Preschool Children, LifeWise, and many roles at Trinity United Methodist Church. She was proud to be involved in the leadership of the local arm of Stonecroft Ministries, which hosts monthly Fremont Area Women's Connections luncheons. She served as the Executive Director of Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity for 15 years. Donna had a servant's heart and her faith guided her in everything she did.

Donna loved music, singing and playing the piano from a young age. She greatly enjoyed singing with her sisters, The Trinity UMC choir, and the Terra State Concert Choir. Impromptu musical "jam sessions" were known to happen with various family members during holiday gatherings.

She is survived by her husband Terry, children Troy (Nicole) Thatcher, Dawn (Kevin) Hammer and Todd Thatcher (Erin Corrigan), grandchildren Emily (Chris) Parish, Erin (Zech Sloan) Thatcher and Alexander (Caitlin Bidlack) Thatcher, great grandchildren Alexis, Audrey and Anderson Parish, sisters Wilma Jenkins and Hazel (Tom) Jones, sister-in-law Becky Faes, brother-in-law Mark Thatcher, many nieces and nephews, and more friends than can be counted.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Wallace (Pat) Dean, Eldon (Wanda) White and Paul (Katy) White, sisters Reba (Chester) Sterrett, Mary (Ken) Gladson, Lois (Wayne) Law, Patricia (Robert) Parrott, and Karen (David) Hankins, brothers-in-law Jim Jenkins and Steve Faes, great-grandson Andre Parish, and special friends Evelyn Martin and Sandi Blair.

Donna's loved ones wish to express their limitless appreciation for the doctors and nurses who cared for her at Flower Hospital. The oncology team was beyond amazing.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 4:00 pm on Saturday, March 7th at Trinity United Methodist Church (204 N. Wayne St., Fremont, Ohio) with a dinner immediately following. Family will receive visitors from 2:00-4:00 pm at the church. A private burial service will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church and Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity. Donna would love donations to the Terra State College Foundation to help cover expenses for choir members to travel to NYC this summer to perform at Carnegie Hall (what an honor)! Donations can be made online - please indicate Terra Concert Choir.