Donna Crossman

Donna Karen (Skaggs) Crossman, PhD, age 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026. She was born in Ashland, Kentucky on October 18, 1943, then moved to Springfield, Ohio shortly afterward. Donna graduated from Springfield High School and attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH where she met the love of her life John Crossman. She graduated from Wittenberg and married John December 18, 1965. They welcomed their only son a few years later. Motherhood did not slow Donna down from continuing her education. She received her Doctorate in Sociology from The Ohio State University. From there, she was a professor teaching a wide variety of classes at Clemson University where she served as the sociology department head, Capital University, and finally The Ohio State University where she retired.

Throughout her life, Donna was an avid reader and writer. She looked for ways to expand her mind through learning and gaining a deeper appreciation for the world. As an enthusiastic writer, she enjoyed writing regularly to her grandchildren and fellow creative writing groups. She once commented that writing was her way of expressing creativity. What a gifted writer she was!

She was well loved by her family, friends, and community for many things including her positive, optimistic outlook on life, sharp mind, and deep kindness, always thinking of ways to make others feel appreciated. A long-time member of All Saints Lutheran Church, Donna expressed her faith to the world through involvement with numerous groups doing good for the community. She touched many lives through her presence and attentiveness.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 60 years, John Crossman; her beloved son, G. Sean Crossman; sister Dorothea “Dottie” Robey; brother-in-law Richard K. Robey; parents Everett and Pauline Skaggs. Donna is survived by devoted daughter-in-law Maureen (Kramer) Crossman; grandchildren Rachel and Thomas Crossman; brother-in-law Richard C. (Ann Williams) Crossman; Sister-in-law Monica Clair (Crossman) Weisberg-Patch and partner Lorraine Patch; nieces and nephews and many friends.

Special thanks to the staff at Westerwood Assisted Living and all of her friends for their devotion and care over these past 5 years.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 19, 2026 9:30AM to 10:30AM at All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 North High Street in Worthington, OH 43085 followed by a Memorial Service at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Capital City Hospice or your favorite charity.