Donna (Plummer) Nolen

SOUTH BEND – Donna Nolen, 95 years old, passed away peacefully Monday morning, January 7, 2019 at Southfield Village, in South Bend.  Donna was born on December 3, 1923, in Lakeville, IN to the late Joseph & Pearl (Laughman) Plummer.  A couple of years later the family moved to a farm on Osborne Road.  Donna graduated from Lakeville High School at the top of her class in 1941.  She was united in marriage to Dwight Nolen on October 11, 1941.  They celebrated 72 years of marriage until Dwight’s passing February 12, 2013.

During WW II Dwight served in the Pacific in the US Navy.  While he was away Donna worked in South Bend in the war effort as well as caring for her family.  She always had faith that he would return home safely and he did in late 1945.

Donna is survived by all four of her children.  Gary (Katie), South Bend; Wayne (Judy), Eaton Rapids, MI; Michael, Pharr, TX; Linda (Roger) Mullins, St. Augustine, FL.

Donna had eight brothers, five sisters, and one half sister.

She was preceded in death by half sister, Helen Knepp, sister, Martha Stanage as well as 6 brothers: Robert, John, Glen, Richard, Joe and Jim.

Donna is survived by sister, Leila Masten, Mishawaka; brother Lynn (Berneda) Plummer, Edwardsburg, MI; Sister, Eve (Dick) Rice, Decatur, MI; sister Iris Tortorelli, Kalamazoo, MI; brother Arthur (Gail) Plummer, North Liberty; brother Dan (Sandie) Plummer, Granger; sister, Jean (Dean) Rice, Mishawaka.  She had 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.

Donna & Dwight traveled extensively after her retirement as an office manager for an insurance agency.  They visited all fifty states as well as Europe, Africa, Canada, Mexico, Belize and Honduras.

Donna brought joy to everyone she met and tried to be as helpful as possible to the other residents of Southfield Village where she received excellent care.

Services for Donna will be held at Olive Branch Church on Monday January 14th at 2:00 PM with visitation one hour before and also immediately following the service.  Reverend Wesley Skiles will officiate.   A private burial will be held at Porter Rae Cemetery, North Liberty.   In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in the name of Donna Nolen to Olive Branch United Brethren Church.   22750 Osborne Rd. Lakeville, IN 46536.  Palmer Funeral Homes assisting.   Online condolences may be offered to the Nolen family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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