Donna R. VanMiddlesworth

Donna VanMiddlesworth November 19. 1937-June 24, 2023

Donna was born in Mendon Michigan to Clifford Carl and Rolene Blossom (Houts) Case. Donna’s family moved to the Fulton farm when she was a young girl and then she was raised with her brother Jim and her grandparents. She helped on the farm and enjoyed riding horseback.  She graduated from Athens High School in 1955. 

Donna met Leon VanMiddlesworth and they courted on horseback and were married on September 18, 1955.  They moved to the now family farm in 1962 with their son Jon and daughter Rosemary.  Donna worked beside Leon and lived there for 60 years. He passed in 2012.   She had a deep love for their life of raising crops and livestock, especially baling hay, driving tractors, and nurturing all the baby animals that came along over the years.  Horses were her passion.  She had a great love for plants and flowers and provided an abundance of bouquets for Sunday church and other special occasions.  Donna spent a lifetime being creative including oil painting and quilting, a very gifted artist.  She always looked forward to the trips around the field with Jon picking wildflowers and road trips with Rosemary if ice cream was involved.  Donna was a member of Leroy Congregational Church.

Donna is survived by her son Jon (Janette) and daughter Rosemary (Chuck) Bernath, grandchildren Jonathan (Sabrina Wise) VanMiddlesworth, Easton and Owen Baker, Levi (Heather) Bernath, Annabelle and Gabby, Ben Bernath, Jenessa (Paul) Bowers, Jada and Jaris Smith, Vallon and Roan Bowers. Her beloved dogs Poochie and Kudo, Oprah and Kee Kee Cat. Also, Tracie and her special family at Schaffer Senior Residence.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023 at Leroy Congregation Church.  A graveside service will follow the visitation on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Leroy Congregational Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Leroy Congregational Church.  Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org