Donna Ruth Marsh

Donna Ruth Marsh

Washington

Donna Ruth Marsh, age 96, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024, following a decline in health.

Celebration of life services will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Pastor Anthony DeVaughn officiating. The family will be present to receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery at a later date. Memorials have been established for the United Methodist Church of Washington. Online condolences may be sent for Donna’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Donna was born December 10, 1928, in rural Washington County, the daughter of George Albert and Nellie Marie (Schneider) Chalupa. She attended school in Washington, Iowa. Donna was united in marriage to James “Jim” Marsh on December 26, 1945, in Swedesburg, Iowa.

Donna lived most of her life in Washington County, Iowa. She lived a few years in California while her husband was in the service. Donna was a proud homemaker and enjoyed raising her family. Once her family was raised, she went to work as a cook at the Washington County Hospital. She was a member of the United Methodist Church. Donna enjoyed bird watching and was an excellent mom and grandma.

She is survived by three children: Ronald (Martha) Marsh of Wayland, Iowa; Diana Hamilton of Washington, Iowa; Thomas (Jeanette) Marsh of Kalona, Iowa; five grandchildren: Dion Dittrich of Washington, Iowa; Dawn (Greg) Schindler of Washington, Iowa; Nick Dittrich of Washington, Iowa; Annah (Mike) Brady of Kalona, Iowa; Micah (Erin) Marsh of Kalona, Iowa; 14 great-grandchildren: Nicolaus Dittrich, Pearl Dittrich, Stephen Schindler, Kayla Schindler, Kyle Schindler, Amber Dittrich, Dustin Dittrich, Fiona Brady, Declan Brady, Saoirse Brady, Madison Marsh, Jackson Marsh, Levi Marsh, and Porter Marsh; three great-great-grandchildren: Lukas Dittrich, Greyson Dittrich, and Cooper Dittrich; and additionally, three stepgrandchildren, eight stepgreat-grandchildren, and 14 stepgreat-great-grandchildren.

Donna is also survived by eight siblings; Jean Jacoby of California; JoAnn Swift of Waterloo, Iowa; Darrell “Buzz” Chalupa of Wayland, Iowa; Carl (Martha) Chalupa of Washington, Iowa; Ed (Virginia) Chalupa of Washington, Iowa; Doug (Annette) Chalupa of Washington, Iowa; Geraldine “Gerry” Farrier of Washington, Iowa; Vicki Anderson of Wayland, Iowa; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim in 2010; son-in-law, Jack Hamilton; an infant brother; and four sisters: Margaret Fry, Marjorie McKinistry, Virginia Houseal, and Betty Zehr.