Donna Kiser (McDaniel) peacefully passed away Sunday, January 8, 2017 in her Marion home surrounded by loved ones and her cats at the age of 83.
Donna was born November 12, 1933 in Warren, Indiana to Wilma and Glen (Mac) McDaniel. By three years old, she was already well known for her delightful singing voice. As Donna grew older, her musical talents continued to develop, including mastery of the piano (just like her father). She would graduate from Warren High School in 1951 and was awarded a scholarship to Indiana University for her music. Yet instead of choosing this career path, she decided to start a family. Donna and Max had fallen immediately in love and were wed on June 24, 1951. Despite getting married, she never stopped sharing her musical talents through Lyric Club, Church, and community functions.
Donna was an excellent businesswoman alongside her parents & husband. She, among four generations of her family, spent time serving the Marion community at Mac’s Hardware (once called Mac’s Hatchery). Between Donna and Max, they knew very few strangers. They were well known for their immaculate landscaping and beautiful home. Donna was also known for crafting the most beautiful floral arrangements. She was an integral member of her church family at Temple Congregational Church. Despite all of these achievements, she was most proud, devoted, & vocal about her family. Donna spent a great amount of time loving & creating everlasting memories with her children & grandchildren. Those who love her most will always remember her by her gentle strength & compassionate heart.
Donna is survived by her two daughters, Pamela (Ron) Griffith of Gas City, Indiana & Sue Ann (Michael) Stepler of Marion, Indiana; her two sisters, Ann McDaniel-Whitesell of Kokomo, Indiana & Sue Williams of Normal, Illinois; her six grandchildren, Kyle (Lezley) Griffith, Skyler Griffith, Cameron (Allie Perez) Stepler, Megan Stepler, & Kaelyn (Ryan) Roberts, & Lauren (Brian) Ewing; special family friend, Don Allen; and her rescued cats.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Max Kiser; son, David Kiser; daughter, Janene Kiser; father & mother, Glen & Wilma McDaniel; father & mother in law, E.L. & Margaret Kiser; her brother-in-law Tenny Williams; and special family friend Jo Allen.
Friends may call from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.
Funeral services will be the following day, Friday, January 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Congregational Church, 1006 N. Western Ave., Marion, Indiana with Reverend Jeff Jahn officiating.
Burial will immediately follow the funeral service in Grant Memorial Park Cemetery, Marion, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, send any memorial contributions to the Marion-Grant County Humane Society who helped Donna & her rescue animals.
The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice, the Marion General Hospital CCD, & her senior caregivers who she enjoyed so much.
Online condolences may be made at www.ravenchoate.com