Obituary: Dona Kay Gottwald, 92, of Ludington

Donna Gottwald

Dona Kay Gottwald, 92, of Ludington, formerly of Tiffin, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Born April 4, 1934, in Tiffin, Ohio, Dona was the daughter of the late Cloyd Ernest and Mary Aleta (Eakin) Strauch. She graduated from Columbian High School, Class of 1952. On June 19, 1954, Dona married the love of her life, Raymond Charles Gottwald.

Dona had worked various jobs throughout her life, but one of her favorites was working at Ricker’s Food Market which was owned by her brother-in-law and sister Charles and Audrey Ricker. The position that mattered the most to her was being a mother and a homemaker.

She was very dedicated to her family. Dona was greatly loved and was an integral part to her family and to her husband’s family, providing support and love. D was the biggest cheerleader for her grandchildren, always encouraging them every step they took. She was known as “Aunt Dona Kay” to well over 40 nephews and nieces of successive generations who were committed to visiting her every summer. Dona was also the archivist of family history for the Gottwald, Hartman, Strauch and Eakin family trees.

Dona was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ of Tiffin and attended Community Church of Ludington. She participated in a variety of roles from Sunday School Teacher to Women’s Groups. Dona had extensive interest in bible study, religious history and comprehension. She used her talents in crafting, sewing, and knitting for church activities and fundraising events.

Dona found joy and purpose in sewing, crafting, and knitting. She created a bridge between generations by sharing these skills with both older and younger family members, as well as teaching them to others outside of her family circle. Dona donated her skill and talents to groups like Sandcastles Children Museum, churches, and schools. Her hobbies were more than pastimes; they were a means of connection and legacy-building.

An adventurer at heart, Dona loved to travel across the United States in her RV. These journeys were not just explorations of the country but also opportunities to connect with family members scattered across the states. Winters were spent in Florida to visit her father and his wife and various friends and in-laws. Each trip was a blend of adventure and familial love, embodying her spirit of exploration and her deep-rooted family values.

Dona will be dearly missed by her sons Douglas (Cindy) Gottwald and David (Teresa) Gottwald, both of Traverse City; brother-in-law Richard (Sharon) Gottwald of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren; four step grandchildren; six step great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Dona was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; sister-in-law Helen Gibson; sister Audrey Ricker; and brother Cloyd Robert Strauch.

No services for Dona are scheduled at this time. Per her wishes, her ashes and the ashes of her husband, Raymond, will be interred at a Gathering at Greenlawn Cemetery in Tiffin, Ohio sometime later this year. Friends and family are invited, and will be notified, as soon as final arrangements are scheduled.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ of Tiffin Memorial Fund or to Community Church of Ludington.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.GraceCremations.com