Donna Jean Shellito

Donna was born on July 2, 1937, in Owosso, Michigan, to Mattie and Elmer Bliss Sr. She attended Davenport College, where she earned her associate degree. She went on to work for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the Rural Development Department for more than 10 years before retiring. Donna was also a very proud lifetime member of the Women's American Legion Auxiliary, an organization she had been a member of since 1970.

An avid reader, Donna could finish nearly an entire novel in a single day. She preferred reading to television and watched no more than one hour of TV each day. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and word searches on a daily basis. Donna was a strong, independent, and strong-willed woman who dedicated herself to her family. She raised seven children on her own and was a devoted and loving mother.

Donna will be lovingly remembered by her children, Julie Klotz, Cindy Shirey, Michael Parmeter, Lillian Hamlet, and David Shellito; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her children, Robert Shellito and Thomas Shellito; grandchildren, Ben, Steven, Julia, Richard, and Terry; great-grandchild, Kollin; 3 sisters; 3 brothers; and her parents, Mattie and Elmer Bliss Sr.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Heartland Hospice for the excellent care and compassion they provided to Donna and her family.

A celebration of Donna's life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM, conducted by Chaplain Bart, with a one-hour prior visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, at American Legion Leslie Post 491, 422 Woodworth St., Leslie, MI 49251. Following the service, a luncheon will be provided at Post 491.