Passed peacefully with her family by her side at the Bluewater Rest Home, Zurich on November 21, 2020 at the age of 94. Beloved wife of the late James “Ted” Jones (2016). Adored mother of Randy and Susann Jones of Exeter. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Linda and Willy O’Rourke and Roy Phillips. Donna will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brothers and sisters Glenn and Marg (Gibbs) Hayter, Barb (Hayter) and Ray Gooding, Jean and Alex “Sandy” McInroy, and Ruth (Jones) Philips and parents Ella Rae and Newton Hayter and her mother and father-in-law Gladys and Cecil Jones.
Donna was born in Greenway in 1926 and lived on the family farm. She worked in a light bulb factory in London during the war, as well as keeping busy farming. She retired at the Exeter Times Advocate as a layout artist. Donna met her husband Ted in Exeter at a community dance in 1947. She and Ted married in 1948 and moved to the Exeter area, eventually settling down on the family farm. Donna was Beta Sigma Phi sorority sister in Exeter for over 60 years. She enjoyed doing oil paintings on site, tending to her garden in her free time and running the road to the cottage with Ted.
A private family funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 25th at 11 AM. Though the service is private, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your own home. Stream the service live by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh. Interment Exeter Cemetery. Haskett Funeral Home, EXETER entrusted with arrangements.
Donation to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority or the South Huron Hospital Auxiliary would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
George Godbolt
Randy and Susann. Lois and I wish to offer our condolences to you. I knew both Ted and Donna for so long and thought the world of both of them. To see them interact with each other was such a treat and I always looked forward to their visit. Ted would come up with an idea and plan and your mom would either agree or the plan didn’t happen. They were so tight with each other and supported each other unconditionally. Susan and I still do Que, sera sera for her or with her in mind— or at least we will if we ever get back to singing for the residents.
George and Lois Godbolt
Sally Grigg
Randy and Susann. Rick and I are very sorry to here of your loss. Even though we never met Donna we knew how dear she was to you both Stay strong and safe during this challenging time. Better days ahead
Sandy Wavrick
Dear Linda,
I’m sorry that you’ve lost your sister… I hope the many memories you have of special times together are of some comfort. It brought a smile to my face seeing the photos posted on this site, and rekindled memories of my own early childhood days visiting family. Many familiar faces.
Sending love and hugs to both you and Willy.
Love,
Sandy
Sandy Wavrick
Dear Randy and Susann,
I’m sorry to learn about your mom’s passing. Please know I am thinking of you today and sending both of you big hugs with lots of love.
Miss you guys.
Love,
Sandy
Sally Wavrick
Dear Randy & Susanne, also Linda & Willie: Donna will be missed by all , my sincere condolences Linda for loss of your beloved sister and Randy for loss of your Mom. May she fly with the angels in heaven…
Debbie Peplow
So sorry to hear of the passing of Donna, a lovely lady with a great sense of humor, and that wonderful smile. Rest in peace Donna, you will be missed. 🙏🏻
George and Sue Wilson
Randy and Susann, our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mother. Donna was a lovely lady. She and your Dad knew my Dad and Mom, Doug and Dorothy Insley. Remember your wonderful memories. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue Wilson
Mickie Struyke-Laurin
Linda and Willy and Family…. I was saddened to learn of Donna passing. Linda you always spoke highly with love and caring for your sister. I know she will be missed very much.
Hugs…..Stay strong …Mickie. ❤️
Mickie Struyke-Laurin
Randy, Susan and family. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Donna. I had the pleasure of working with Donna years ago at the Times Advocate and always treasured our friendship. Ted and Donna were an amazing couple…very caring loving and complimented each other so much.
Randy and Susan …you were a gift for Donna and Ted.
Rest In Peace Donna. ❤️
Sandy Hollowell
Randy and Susann, My heartfelt sympathies on Donna’s passing. A kind and gracious lady, always with a beautiful smile. I was honoured to have carried on the Gidley House history for five years. Now she and Ted will dance again across the heavens.
Sandy Hollowell
Barb Fleet
Randy and Susann. So dry sorry to learn of Donna’s passing . We were sorority sisters . Donna was a beautiful sweet lady . Rest In Peace Donna.
Penny Watson
Heartfelt Sympathy to all the Family
In our thoughts and Prayers
Jerome and Penny Watson
Cathy and Don Pearson
We were saddened to learn of your mother’s passing, she was such a sweet lady. We enjoyed catching up with Ted and Donna every spring at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Dinner. They are united once again. Our sincere condolences.
Rob Anderson
Randy, I’m so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. I’m truly grateful that Joanne and I were able to see her when we were last there. Mom really liked your parents and always looked forward to seeing them when they were back east. My deepest sympathies go out to you, Susann and the rest of the family.
Your west coast cousin Rob.
Marion Armstrong
Marion Armstrong
Randy and Susann,
So sorry to hear about Donna. She is with Ted again. Ted, Bill and Donna will be together fishing and share stories about the good old times they had. She was truly a very lovable person. So many memories. Thinking of you at this sad time. It was an honor to have been their friend.
Mark Heimrich
Randy & Susann, & Family;
My sincere sympathy to you all in your Mom’s/ Donna’s passing. She was such a lovely person. I had several good chats with your Mom AND Dad through the years, often at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation dinners. They were both such wonderful supporters of our community over many, many years.
Mark (& Julie) Heimrich
Joanne Anderson
My heart aches for you — thoughts and prayers….
Jim Beckett
To Randy and Susan
I enjoyed working at the Times-Advocate with Donna for many years.
Her dedication to detail was part of the reason the newspaper was regarded as one of the best in Ontario.
She was an important part of the T-A family.
I am sorry for your loss.
Ken and Linda Genttner
Linda, Wally and Family
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ken and Linda Genttner
Julie
In our thoughts and prayers Ray and Joan Webb and Family
Joan Bell
To Linda and Willy: My condolence to you in your loss. I have fond memories of days gone by with your family. Thinking of you at this time.
Darlene Porter
Randy and Susan I would like to extend my sympathy in the loss of your Mother. I am sure the art talent was a gift passed on to you. May you be comforted in the memories.
The Lord Family
Dear Randy, Susann and Family
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing!
Donna was such a sweet and kind-hearted person. We have had some wonderful chats over the years.
Donna will definitely be missed!
Deb and Dick Lord and Family
Marion McCarter
Randy and Susann, Linda and Willy:
Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time in the loss of your mother and sister. May you treasure her memories and carry them with you in your hearts forever. It was a pleasure having known Donna and Ted and to have worked for them in the past and to have been a sorority sister of Donna.. Deepest sympathy.
Marion McCarter
Rick Phillips & Linda Lustins
Our thoughts are with you during this very sad time. Donna was a very special lady who we will always remember fondly.
Janet Kinsman Bilcke
Randy & Susann, Im so sorry to hear Donna has passed, what a wonderful lady she was. I enjoyed every visit i had w her. ♥️
BEV. & NORMA LINDENFIELD
DONNA , HAS BEEN OUR NEIGHBOUR ON MARLBOROUGH STREET FOR 56 YEARS, OVER THE YEARS
WE ENJOYED GETTING TOGETHER, AND TALKING ABOUT OLD TIMES AND PLACES WE BOTH HAVE
EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST, WE WILL MISS YOU DONNA, —-BEV. & NORMA LINDENFIELD
Lawrence Stevens
Randy and Susan
Gail and I are deeply saddened by the loss of your mother.
Donna was such a nice lady. She will be greatly missed.
Lawrence and Gail Stevens
Sandra and Larry Hern
Dear Randy and Susann and Donna’s family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Donna. She was such a lovely lady we have known for a long time. She worked along with our Mother Dorothy Hern at the Times Advocate and they were great friends. We had such a nice visit with her when you hosted her Birthday Open House…and she always spoke with love and pride about Randy! May it give you some peace and comfort to know that she and her beloved Ted are now together again.
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Linda, Willi & Family
So sorry for your loss, our deepest sympathy.
Ena de Haan
Although expected at such an age it still shocked me to hear /read of Donna’s passing. She & Ted were our neighbours across the road for many years on Marlborough Street! Heartfelt empathy to the family, may you remember both of them with love & admiration, God Bless !!
Ena de Haan
Jim & Verla Russell
To: Randy, Susann, Linda, Willy and Roy
Our deepest, heartfelt sympathy on Donna’s passing.
She was a wonderful, thoughtful lady.
A great sorority sister, and many memories from sorority events.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
MaryJane Taylor
To all of Donna’s family.
My Sincere Sympathy in your loss of dear Donna.
She was a lovely lady and may your fond memories
bring you comfort. We were sorority sisters for many years
and always enjoyed her wit….
Blue Water Rest Home Blue Water Rest Home
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Norma Khan
Randy and Susan, Barb and Willy,
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I worked many years with Donna at the Times Advocate.
My condolences.
Norma Khan
June E Morenz
Linda and Willie: I was so sorry to read of your loss. May your happy memories aid in your loss.
George and Helen Pratt
Randy & Susan…. Our sympathy to you on the loss of your mother. Donna was a good friend & neighbor for many years. We are thinking of you at this sad time.
Elaine Ford
Dear family of Donna. What a treasured Lady she was.. I have many fond memories of my time assisting Donna at Exeter Villa. So sorry to learn of her passing, she wanted to help so many people. God Bless her family and friends. ❤️
Glenn & Joan Kells
We would like to offer our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. She will be remembered by many people as a very gentle person.
John & Liz Stephens
Randy & Susann Our deepest condolences .Donna was a sharp , witty loving person .We loved going to Hooks restaurant in London with them ,for a ”pig out ”& I`m wearing my ” fat pants ”as Donna would say. May your fond memories comfort you through this difficult time John & Liz
Margaret Brintnell
Thinking of you Linda, Willie & all the family at this sad time. Donna was a very friendly lady & will be missed by you all. You will have so many memories to share. My Sympathy to All.
Take Care – Margaret Brintnell
jerry and Phyllis Mathers
Randy and Susann So sorry to hear t he sad news of Donnas passing. Many fond memories of family and friends together at your Grandparents farm on 81 highway outside of Grand Bend. We would sit around and listen to Donna and her sister sing, She will be missed. Jerry and Phyllis Mathers
Kate Monk
Dear Randy and Susann,
Our sincere condolences to you. Donna was such a kind and loving member of our Marlborough Street neighbourhood, the Exeter community and the Ausable Bayfield family. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Doug & Kate
GARY LUKAS
Randy and Susann my thoughts are with you, so sorry for your loss.
Fred Godbolt
Randy and Susann. I’m saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a wonderful strong person.
Larry Taylor
Randy, Susan and family, I am deeply saddened by your loss. I shared many wonderful and special moments during her tenure at bluewater while seeing my wife. May she Rest In Peace.
Barb and Milt Dietrich
Randy & Susann, Linda & Willie and Family,
Our condolences on Donna’s passing. May your memories of happy times together be a comfort to you always.
Thinking of you. 💕
Sharon & Bob Pavkeje
Sorry to read on Donna’s passing. I always enjoyed visits at our office from Ted and Donna in past years. Such a cute and inspiring couple. Sending our thoughts and prayers to Randy & Susann and families.
jack reginald triebner
OUR CONDOLENCE GO OUT TO OUR NEIGHBOUR RANDY AND SUSANN
FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER FROM FRIEND BETTY AND JACK,
JACK TRIEBNER AND BETTY BLUE .
Jodi Schenk
Randy and Susann, I am very sorry to hear about Donna. Our thoughts are with you.
Jodi, Kris, Emma and Kolten
Paul & Beth Anstett
Dear Randy & Susann & family,
Our sincerest condolences on the painful loss of your dear mother, Donna. She will be fondly remembered as a very sweet and gentle lady.
Paul & Beth Anstett & family
Mike and joAnne Pickering
So sorry for the loss of your sister Linda sending hugs 🤗 to you and your family!!
Wendi Schwindt
Dear Randy and Susann….we treasured our time with your mom and dad in Exeter. And your visit to our property at Dyers Bay was special. Ted and Donna were the kindest and best people to know. So very sorry for your loss.
John and Wendi Schwindt
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Randy, Susann , family and friends:
Sorry to learn of Donna’s passing. She is reunited with Ted now, May your memories of her bring you comfort in the future.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Lynn and Sarah Hope
Love you Donna <3