Donata Ruth Owsley

Donata Ruth (Heidenrich Haug) Owsley, 84, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on June 24, 2023, surrounded by her devoted and adoring family. Born in Ottawa, IL, on January 30, 1939, she was cherished and raised to know and love her Savior by her parents Herta Louise Oldsen Heidenrich and Harold August “Dean” Heidenrich, along with grandparents Rev. Hugo and Louise Oldsen, and three uncles who all were Lutheran ministers. She graduated from Concordia Lutheran College, with a major/ minor in teaching/religion. Her brother introduced her to fellow Lutheran Seminary student Don Darrell Haug, whom she married in 1961. She taught kindergarten and second grade while they resided in St. Louis, MO, and Long Island, NY. In 1963, they followed God’s calling to Houston, TX, where she learned American Sign Language to join her husband in 16 years of ministry to the hearing impaired at churches in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, TX.

From 1964-1968, they were blessed with four daughters, Sabrina Fae, Spring Paige, Lara Kay, and Holly Noel, whose raising she considered her most beloved role. Her teaching career continued from 1976-1990, while the family followed God’s calling to Whitehall, TX, and Lanesville, IN. Through the years, she served as church organist/pianist, leader of Bible class, choir director, and many other roles as a Pastor’s wife. In her retirement, she was blessed by moving her parents to Lanesville, where she could help them in their golden years. In 1995, she married Stewart “Bud” Owsley, gaining multiple generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to shower with her love. Bud joined her in showering love to Donata’s grandsons Anthony Lieber (Alisa), Gregory Lieber (Meredith), Sean Harris (Abbey), Alexander Harris, Nicholas Haug, and Ian Harris. Her joy and blessings continued as she welcomed great-grandson Jesse and great-granddaughter Hallie, and she was eagerly awaiting 2nd great-grandson Aaron in September. Of all her lifetime accolades, she considered her family to be the greatest. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she taught weekly Bible classes.

She was preceded in death by her sister Gretchen Louise, her parents, and her husband.

Those who survive her and are eagerly awaiting a heavenly reunion, are brother George Heidenrich (Jacque) of FL, daughters Sabrina Haug, Spring Harris (Thomas), Lara Kennedy (Ricky), Holly Bernardi (Gary), all of IN, nephew John Heidenrich (Natasha) of VA, niece Michelle Heidenrich-Barnes (Peter) of FL, great-nephew Dylan, great-niece Miranda, her six grandsons, great-grandson, great-grand-daughter, generations of loved ones from the Owsley Family, and her “adopted in love” family Connie, Caleb, Diamond, and Onyx, as well as many others unnamed. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 E. Spring Street, New Albany Indiana, 47150.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 12:00 pm with visitation starting at 11:00 am until service time at Grace Lutheran Church, 1787 Klerner Lane, New Albany Indiana, 47150.

Following services, Donata will be laid to rest in Everdon Cemetery, County Road 254, Leavenworth Indiana, 47137.

Donations in Donata's memory may be made to the Smile Train Charity, Lutheran Bible Translators, or to Grace Lutheran Church in New Albany Indiana. Links to each charity are provided below.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraftfuneralservice.net for the Owsley family.