Donna Marie McLaughlin

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Donna (Hanes) McLaughlin of Whitehall, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Born in Columbus on August 27, 1953, to Don and Alberta Hanes. Donna was the beloved mother to Matthew McLaughlin and Grammy to her pride and joy Juniper McLaughlin. Donna loved spending time with her son and his family. They were even able to travel together to Myrtle Beach, S.C and Niagra Falls, ON, CA.

Donna worked as a systems administrator for the T. Marzetti company and retired in 2020. After retirement Donna wanted to travel more, but the pandemic delayed some of those plans. As soon as she was able to travel Donna set out on a road trip from Columbus all the way to Oregon. Donna loved an adventure. She was also proud to serve as a poll worker for the Franklin County Board of Elections. One of Donna’s favorite things to do was exploring the trails of the Columbus Metro Parks, where she loved enjoying nature and meeting all the winged and four-legged friends she met on her path.

Donna loved cats and took in many feline companions throughout her years and provided a home to many strays.

Left to cherish her memory, Donna is survived by her son Matthew (Kelly) McLaughlin and granddaughter Juniper McLaughlin, her brothers Trent Hanes and William (Debbie) Hanes, brother-in-law Buddy Smith and sister-in-law Patty Hanes, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death: Parents Don and Alberta Hanes, Sisters Eva Smith and Rita Hanes, brother Gary Hanes. In Lieu of flowers the families wish for donations to be made in her honor to the Franklin County Humane Society. A visitation time will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 4-6 pm at Schoedinger Grove City 4242 Hoover Rd. Grove City. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to see her tribute video and sign her online guest book.