Donna, age 82, of Chillicothe, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Donna was born on April 20, 1942 in Peoria, IL to Frank E. and Rachel Helen (Ingram) Harker. She married Kenneth Newell on November 29, 1959 in Lacon, IL.

Surviving are her husband of 65 years, Kenneth; her sons, Thomas Newell and Todd Newell, both of Chillicothe, IL; her grandchildren, Aaron (Tabitha) Newell of Morton, IL Alyssa (Chris Sawatizky) Newell of Canada, and Jeremy Newell of Mossville, IL; her great-granddaughter, Hazel Newell; her brothers, Eddie Harker of Chillicothe, IL and Charles Harker of Quincy, IL; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Terry Newell; and her sister, Linda Sharpe. 

Donna was a beautician in her home for over 30 years, while raising her boys. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, and volunteered at Helping Hands in Chillicothe. She also enjoyed playing Bingo and Bunco. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and her new great-granddaughter.

Services were held on Monday, March 31, 2025 at 11am at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe with visitation at 10am. Rev. Ron Martz officiated. Cremation rites were accorded following the services. Memorials in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society.

– Thank You –

We would like to thank everyone, family, friends, etc., for all of the visits, phone calls, cards, food, transportation, and concerns during Donna’s illness.

We would also like to thank everyone for their monetary donations, food for the dinner, and those who stepped up and took care of setting up, serving, and cleaning up afterward.

We appreciate all who attended her visitation and funeral and also who joined us at the dinner. Donna would have been overjoyed with all who came.

—From the family of Kenneth Newell