Donna Sue Miesse, 89, of Newark, passed away on August 5, 2026, at Knox Community Hospital. Donna was born on June 2, 1937, in Croton, Ohio, to the late Luther and Ruth (Hill) Butt. She worked for many years at Holophane before retiring and later spent nearly 20 years living in Florida, a place she truly loved. She enjoyed the sunshine, the friendships she made there, and eventually returned to Ohio to be closer to family.

Donna liked to stay busy. She enjoyed reading, long walks, playing cards and games with friends, and remained independent and active well into her late eighties. She especially enjoyed attending CMFO and singing with the CMFO Sweethearts.

Her grandchildren will remember afternoons playing pool in the basement of her home, countless games of Rummy, the homemade pies she was known for, the “roly polies”she made from the leftover pie crust that everyone looked forward to, and the homemade applesauce she prepared from freshly picked apples. She had a quick wit, a wonderful sense of humor, and could make everyone laugh. Those simple moments became memories that will be treasured for generations.

Donna is survived by her children, Ed (Jean) Parks, Julie (John) Horn, and Brenda Cowans; her grandchildren, Chris (Sarah) Horn, Ashley (Kristopher) McInturff, and Lindsey (Andrew) Belgen; her great-grandchildren, Riley (Xandy) McInturff, Logan Horn, Peyton Horn, Reese McInturff, Camden Horn, and Hadley McInturff; her sister, Becky Wood; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her faithful companion, her dog Franny.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Nick Horn, and her siblings, Joe and Jim Butt, and Mary Beckwith.

Donna will be remembered for her independent and energetic spirit, her love of Florida, and the many memories she leaves behind. Those memories will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all whose lives she touched.

A private burial will be held at South Lawn Cemetery in Utica.

Memorial donations may be made in Donna’s name to Gentiva Hospice, 112 Harcourt Rd. #3, Mt. Vernon, OH 43050 or via website https://www.gentivahs.com/patient-and-family-resources/donate/ 

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com.