Donna A. Mcdonald

Donna A. McDonald (Bowman), age 73, from West Carrollton was carried in the arms of the Lord into the Almighty Kingdom, beautician shears in hand, on the morning of November 28, 2018. After a brutal 10 month battle with ALS.

She kept her spirits high and although her body was broken she continued to demonstrate grace, courage, strength and resilience despite the most challenging of times. She may have lost her mobility and speech but it didn't affect her beautiful smile and contagious laughter. Donna grew up in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Fairview High School. She then pursued her desire to become a cosmetologist. She had a passion for doing hair and helping people look and feel their best. She was a hairdresser for 55 years, working for her daughter Lisa's salon Changes Hair Studio for the past 25 years. She adored her clients and considered them family.

Donna was loved and cherished by so many. She treated all people with respect and never judged anyone. She saw the best in everyone. She had the kindest, most generous heart. She preferred giving over receiving. People gravitated toward her and it was not unusual for her to have long conversations with complete strangers. Her constant smiling, laughter and joking around will never be forgotten.

Donna was born to the late Robert and Pauline Bowman on December 18, 1944. She will be tremendously missed by her husband of 26 loving years, James "Jim" McDonald; son, Mark Craft; daughters, Lisa Craft and Vicki Brock Lucas (Mark Lucas); grandsons, Stevie Brock and Joshua (Alivia Riffle) Craft; great-granddaughter, Avrianna Craft; her siblings, Bob (Robbyn) Bowman, Denny Bowman and David (Paulette) Bowman; nephews, David and Zach Bowman; many extended family and several extra special friends.

The family would like to thank the ALS Association, Hospice of Dayton, BrightStar for their exceptional care and dedication, her devoted family and friends who supported her with their visits, meals and gifts and to all who sent cards, flowers and messages. Donna's wishes are that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Association or Ohio's Hospice of Dayton.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 3, 2018 from 5-8pm at Newcomer South Chapel, 3940 Kettering Blvd, Kettering, OH 45439. The service will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 11am at the funeral home. Donna will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held immediately following at the Christopher Club, 3150 S. Dixie Dr., Dayton, OH 45439.