FRANCO

Donna Franco, 86, of Mendon, Ohio, formerly of Waukee, Iowa, passed away Sunday evening, February 21, 2021, at her residence.  She was born on August 25, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Wayne and Dorothy ( Borton) Hewitt.  She was a graduate of Signet High School in Signet, Ohio. 

On September 3, 1996, she married Wayne Franco, and he preceded in death on September 13, 2017.  Donna had been a secretary for a logistics and transportation firm, in addition to being a loving wife and mother.  She loved the outdoors and was an avid walker and nature lover.  She and her husband enjoyed traveling and had traveled extensively in Europe and the United States.  She enjoyed watching the sports in which her two grandsons participated—always there to cheer them on in all their games.

Surviving are a son, David (Sara) Stearns of Mendon, Ohio; two grandsons, Bryce Stearns and Trevor Stearns, both of Mendon; seven step-children:  Wayne Franco Jr., James Franco, Diane (and special friend Gale) Beverly, Pamela Evans, Larry Franco, William Franco, and Dennis Franco; and a sister, Ann Nichols of Erie, Pennsylvania.  Deceased in addition to her parents and her husband, is a brother, William Hewitt.

Memorial services for Donna will take place on Monday, March 1, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, Ohio, with Father Tim McFarland officiating. 

Burial will be at a later date in the North Baltimore Cemetery in North Baltimore, Ohio.  Friends and family may call at the funeral home on

Monday, one hour prior to the service.  Preferred memorials may be directed to The Stephanie Spielman Research Center, James Development Office, c/o OSU Foundation, P.O. Box 710811, Columbus, Ohio, 43271-0811.  Please designate the Stephanie Spielman Research Center, and in memory of Donna Franco.

Those attending Donna’s visitation or service,  please observe social distancing and wear masks for the safety of all.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.