Donna M. Archinal

Donna Mae Archinal passed away suddenly on April 28, 2012, after enjoying a day-long celebration of her ninetieth birthday, and on the 37th anniversary of the death of her father.

Donna was the only daughter and eldest child of William M. and Josephine M. (Homrighausen) Rausch, born April 28, 1922. She was a lifelong resident of Dover, Ohio.

After graduation from Dover High School in 1940, Donna studied nursing at Cleveland City Hospital. As World War II unfolded, she did her part for the war effort and found employment at the Fisher Body plant in Cleveland as a "Rosie the Riveter", riveting parts of the left wings together on B-29 Flying Fortress aircraft. After the production of B-29s ended, she returned to Dover to work for J.C. Penny. A highlight of that job was meeting Mr. Penney during his visit to the Dover store for a Christmas party. Shortly after this, a soldier back from the war who was working at the Dover Post Office took an interest in Donna and eventually asked her for a date. Donna was married on July 27, 1950, to Marion Archinal, by her cousin Reverend Tom B. Homrighausen. Subsequently, two sons, Bruce and Brent, were born to Donna and Marion. Donna was devoted to her family and raising her sons. Over the years, she also worked part-time at Hammond Dry Cleaning, Creig Dry Cleaning, The Salvation Army Thrift Store and Quik Check.

Donna was a lifelong, devoted and confirmed member of St. John's United Church of Christ. She was at different times active in various Sunday school classes, the Women's Guild, a member of the Sanctuary Decorating Committee, and sang in the Chancel Choir. She also was an active member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees working on the committee to raise funds for Alzheimer's research.

Following her husband's retirement from the Post Office, Donna and Marion enjoyed traveling the country on a variety of bus trips, a cruise to Alaska, and a trip to Hawaii. To keep up with her family, she learned to use Skype and email. Over the last several years, Donna resided at Country Club Retirement Center in Dover. She enjoyed living there and became friends with many of the residents and the staff. Her family is especially grateful for the hospitality and all the care she received.

Donna Mae Archinal was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Marion E. Archinal of Dover, her son Bruce E. Archinal and his wife Mary Ann of the Woodlands, Texas, her son Brent A. Archinal and his wife JoAnne of Flagstaff, Arizona, her brother Doyle W. Rausch and his wife Lois, of Upper Arlington, Ohio and her brother Jack D. Rausch and his wife, Marlene, of Phoenix, Arizona. She is also survived by her grandsons, Andrew Archinal and his wife Stephanie, of Tustin, California and Brian Archinal of Basel, Switzerland. She was justifiably proud of her grandsons and relished hearing their stories about their travels and adventures.

A service celebrating Donna's life will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 2:00 pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover with Rev. Gene Kraus officiating. Interment will be at the Dover Burial Park. Friends can call at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Donna may do so by visiting the on line obituaries and flowers link on the funeral homes website.

The family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association at 1815 West Market St., Akron, Ohio 44313.