Donna was born on April 21, 1923 on her grandparents farm in DeWitt, Michigan. During her adolescent years she lived in DeWitt and graduated high school in May 1942 and was a member of the 4H club. After her graduation she moved to Lansing, Michigan and while working for Michigan Bell telephone company she met and married Forrest William "Bud" Gabel. After WWII Donna and Forrest settled down in Lansing. Donna became a dedicated housewife and mother of three children, Forrest, Lynford and Gail.
Donna retired with her husband Bud in 1976 and moved to Sarasota, Florida. During the course of her retirement she traveled extensively and enjoyed weekly card games with friends, as well as going to weekly bingo games.
Preceded in death by her husband, Forrest William "Bud" Gabel, Donna is survived by her 3 children, Forrest David (Sheryl) Gabel, Lynford Carl Gabel and Gail Darlene Barker; 6 grandchildren, Rodney Allen Chapman, Debby Kay Chapman, Lisa Marie Barker, Dawn Lynn Foster, Jeremy Gabel and Laura Lee Stevenson; 5 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
