Donna J. Ames

April 29, 1930 - October 26, 2017

AMES, Donna Jean Vatilla passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on October 26, 2017. Donna was born April 29, 1930, to George & Lucille Reinoehl. Delivered in her parents’ bedroom, she entered this world with such gusto that she flew across the room and hit her head on the wall. Clearly living to tell the story, that hard head served her well through adversity many times in her life. In 1947 she married Robert Stephen Vatilla; they had two children, Bobby and Sherry. Bob and Donna enjoyed their 38 years together living in Cincinnati, Akron, Centerville, OH and Rome, NY. They always looked forward to their many golfing vacations with friends. Donna was also preceded in death by her second husband of 21 years, Bernie Ames, in 2015. They enjoyed golfing, wintering in Florida and spoiling their pets. Besides being head majorette and twirling fire batons in high school, Donna had a sweet golf swing and was the Beaver Brook Golf Club Champion in Rome, NY. Her work history included Goodyear in Akron, the Chamber of Commerce in Rome, and Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. This past decade, she felt shopping at Kohl’s was her job...daily. Donna’s true calling, however, was her love of family. She was the BEST mother, grandmother and “Gigi” ever created, and she will be terribly missed. This is attested by her children Robert (Mary), Sherry (Craig Smith); grandchildren Shannon (Joe Robertson), Kelly (Teddy Borgerding), Kristen (Ryan Macks), Kati Vatilla; and her 8 great-grandchildren Karsyn, Madie, Landyn, Emie, Sam, Ben, Charlie and Archie. Her absence will also be felt by the Toth, Duskey and Davis families. Lifelong friends Bob Davis, Kaye Retrosi and Evelyne Bates had the good fortune to have had so many years of special memories together. Donna also left behind Bernard’s family, the Ames and the Davis’. Many thanks and love to Mom's special caregivers and adventure makers, Anna & Tasha Wheeland. Lilly Kitty and Miss Boo will miss snuggling with their treat-giving sweet Mom. Donna’s legacy to her family is love, kindness, generosity, helpfulness and love of animals. It was once said, “If you can’t get along with Donna, you can’t get along with anyone.” Truer words were never spoken. She lived a full and beautiful life. Her love, spunk and love of bling will be greatly missed. Mass of Christian Burial 3 PM Mon. Oct. 30 at St. Leonard Faith Community, Centerville. Entombment will be in Heritage Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends 1 PM - 3 PM Mon. at St. Leonard's. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville will be serving the family. If desired, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton or SISCA. . Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.