Born in Reading, PA, on March 18, 1936, Donna was a daughter of the late Ralph and Clara (May) Black and spent much of her life in Berks County. She worked as a reprographics operator with Gilbert Communication, now Salient 3 Communications, starting in 1974 and proudly retired in 1998.
Donna was a devoted mother to Valerie (Kenneth) Quell, David (Shannon) Kocher, Carmelo Valentin, and Keith (Lynn) Verros. She was also a caring stepmother to Alan Auman and Vickie Boyer. Her family grew to include 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, each of whom will remember her warmth, humor, and love. She is also survived by her niece, Dottie (Oliver) Perry.
In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl V. “Yut” Auman Jr., with whom she shared many joyful years of marriage, as well as by her son, Scott Kocher, and her half-sister, Ruth Black.
Outside of her family, Donna found joy in her church and her community. A longtime member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Womelsdorf, she volunteered her time and built lasting friendships through her faith. She was known for her love of animals, especially cats, and for her collection of cat-themed keepsakes and musicals.
Much like the cats she adored, Donna was curious, independent, and unapologetically herself. She never shied from speaking her mind and lived her life with a strong sense of self. She held kindness without fragility, candor without cruelty, and had a way of making people feel at ease. She could talk with anyone, and it didn’t take long for her warmth and humor endear others to her.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A viewing for Donna will be held Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Auman's Inc., 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606. Funeral service will promptly commence at 11:30 AM, with Pastor Wayne Heintzelman officiating. Graveside committal will immediately follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reiffton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donna's memory may be made to Humane Society of Lebanon County, 150 N Ramona Rd., Myerstown, PA 17067
