Donna Jean Landis, 84, Marion, went home to be with her Lord and Savior at 2:31 pm on Thursday, June 15, 2023. She was born in Howard County, Indiana, on Saturday, April 1, 1939, to Don and Annis Barker. She married her loving husband, Garold “Mason” Landis, on December 22, 1961, and he survives.
Donna graduated from Swayzee High School and went on to receive her B.A. degree from Marion College (Indiana Wesleyan University) and her M.A. degree in Education from Ball State University. She taught at Madison-Grant School Corporation until her retirement. Donna was a member of Lakeview Wesleyan Church since 1962 and was a great witness to others and a faithful believer of the Lord. She served as the pianist for many years, youth leader, college and career leader, choir member, secretary of the local board of administration, and receptionist. When she was a youth leader, she was voted “mother of the year”. Donna loved being a part of the Lakeview Wesleyan choir and participating in the musical drama “From Heaven’s Throne”. In her retirement, she was a volunteer in the Indiana Wesleyan University Records Department, where she proofread all the diplomas for graduation.
Donna loved spending her summers at North Webster Lake, where she enjoyed a great pontoon ride. She also loved hosting the Landis at the Lakes family reunion and the Joy in Action Sunday school class for a day away at the lakes. She loved to travel with her husband, Mason, and extended family. Her favorite restaurant was the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. She always made sure to bring home a case, if not two, of apple butter from The Apple Barn for others to indulge. She enjoyed music, sitting down at the piano, and singing. Donna was a great cook, and she made delicious calico beans, cherry delight, and pluckets. Amazingly, after 35 years of teaching, she had the ability to recall names and faces of students from years past. Her contagious laughter and smile lit up any room; she never met a stranger.
In addition to her husband, survivors include her sisters, Barbara Echelbarger of Greentown, Sharon Kaufman of Kokomo, Betty (Jerry) Leavell of Rochester, and Zana (Terry) Hall of Platteville, WI; goddaughters, Leiloni L. Holder of New Port Richey, FL, Lorelei Holder Moore of Jonesboro, and Michelle Leavell of Indianapolis; godsons, E. “Barkley” Holder of Jonesboro and Perry Leavell of Auburn; eight god-grandchildren; eight great-god-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bob (Gail) Landis of Bourbon, IN; sister-in-law, Ruth Landis; and many precious nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law, Eldine D. Landis, George M. Landis, and Donald Echelbarger; and sisters-in-law, Jeanette Landis and Deloris (Fred) Beam.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Donna’s life will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Chris Williams officiating. Entombment will take place at Gardens of Memory in Marion.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Lakeview Wesleyan Church, 5316 S. Western Ave., Marion, IN 46953.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.