Dona Martin Obituary

Dona J. (Hastings) Martin

Sep 27, 1928 - Mar 29, 2024

Sandusky

Dona Jean (Hastings) Martin, 95, of Sandusky, passed away peacefully late Friday evening, March 29, 2024, at Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky.

Dona was born Sept. 27, 1928, in Sandusky, the daughter of Boyer and Sara Louise (Beier) Hastings. Dona attended Sandusky High School. She taught for over 40 years and was instrumental in the beginning, with others, of the creation of Betty Rinderle School for special need students. In the early days, it began in a single classroom at Osborn School and eventually would branch out to a stand alone school in the township.

Dona loved golfing and golfed well into her 90s and was still playing in two local golf leagues with her many friends. She will be remembered by her family for how she loved them and the grandchildren and how she especially enjoyed attending their many activities and their sporting events over the years. Dona was known as a giver. She selfishly volunteered her time to help the veteran causes at AMVETS and Ohio Veterans Home, as well as her time for the Old House Guild. She was also known to many area kids as "Grandma Martin" as she would donate her time or simply give to meet their needs to help them out. She was always giving and thinking of others.

Dona is survived by her family, James "Jim" (Jerrilyn "Jerri") Martin of Port Charlotte, Florida, Kathy (Joe) Hayberger of Sandusky, and William "Bill" (Sue) Martin Jr. of Sarasota, Florida; six grandsons, Troy (Annette Allen) Hayberger, Trevor (Wendy) Hayberger, Jared (Dominica) Martin, Ryan (Soo) Martin, Matt (Julie) Martin, and Scott (Chris) Kane; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Griffith of Sandusky; sister-in-law, Joyce Hastings of Castalia; Mary Jo Martin; and her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of over 60 years, William J. "Bill" Martin Sr.; grandson, Mark Kane; sister, Patricia "Pat" Stratton; brother, Ron Hastings; and two of her closest friends and longtime golf partners, Jean Gilbert and Alice Blakely.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2024, until the time of Dona's funeral at 11 a.m. at David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. The Rev. Wally Gilbert will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Stein Hospice Service, Inc., 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, or F.O.P. Lake Erie Lodge, Chapter # 17, P.O. Box 580, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Stein Hospice Care Center for the care that they have given their mother during this trying time and also a special "Thank You" to her "Good Neighbors" for keeping an eye on their mother and taking good care of her over the years. It was truly appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky.

Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Dona's family at davidfkoch.com.