Barbara Loya Woodcock Donahue

Barbara Loya Woodcock Donahue, 91, passed away peacefully at her home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 2, 2015. Barbara was born to parents George Washington Woodcock and Melittia Van Meter in Sweeden, Kentucky on August 4, 1923.

Barbara was blessed throughout her life. She spent her childhood within a beautiful family of brothers and sisters; Ed, Helen, Alma, George and Scottie. Together they were raised in the church, attended school, played sports and assisted with their father's general store. Barbara graduated from Brownsville Kentucky High School in 1942 and moved to Nashville, TN where she spent time in secretarial school. Barbara later joined the United States Navy in December 1944, achieving the rank of Seaman First Class and was awarded American Theatre and World War II Victory Medals.

While in the service, Barbara met her beloved husband, Richard. They married on Veterans Day, November 11, 1947 in Chicago, IL. They had three children Rick, Randy and Tracy. After Richard's retirement from the military, the Donahue Family settled in Williamston, Michigan in 1972.  Barbara was an active member of the West Locke Wesleyan Church. Her volunteer commitments include: founder of the Williamston Depot Museum; 40 year service to Sparrow Hospital Service Auxiliary; longtime member of the Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club; and The Questers. She was also a proud member of the Mount Carmel Chapter, Mount Carmel, IL National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Barbara lived throughout the United States and abroad. She traveled to many countries and enjoyed road trip adventures every summer with her sisters, from Alaska to Florida, Arizona to Maine, Mexico to Canada. Barbara was a competitive and spirited athlete, enjoying many sports. She played high school basketball and in later years was an avid bowler and golfer. She delighted in cheering on the Williamston Hornets, Michigan State University Spartans, and her Kentucky Wildcats -- rarely turning down an extra ticket. From swim meets to soccer fields, basketball courts to hockey rinks, she was the number one fan to all her kids.

Barbara was a devout Christian and enjoyed bible study and attending church. Her weekly agenda included bridge group, swim aerobics, visits to the farmers market, a night at the theatre and volunteering at the hospital gift shop or depot. She delighted in entertaining and gardening. She enjoyed sitting quietly reading and was especially fond of historical biographies about her country's strong leaders and the women by their side.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Col. Richard E. Donahue; parents George and Melittia Woodcock; brother, Edward and Mildred Woodcock; nephews, Jeff Woodcock and Jubal Woodcock.

She is survived by her children Richard Edward Donahue, Jr. and Beverly (Cullers) Donahue of Arlington, VA; Randolph Edmund and Daniela (Burroni) Donahue of Leeds, UK; Tracy Leigh Donahue of Williamston, MI; grandchildren Jason Scott Donahue, Sean Patrick Donahue, James Martin Donahue and Cailen William McLea. Siblings: Helen Woodcock Edwards, of Chicago Heights, IL; Alma Woodcock Chapman of Columbus, GA; George and Marcia Woodcock of Mount Carmel, IL; Scottie and Ethel Woodcock of Brownsville, Kentucky. Many adored nephews and nieces; Barry, Ron, Georgiana, Susan, Jo, Vicki, Bruce, Marty, Marilynn, George III, Pam, Phyllis, Lydia and their families.

Barbara was a joy to be around. She loved dearly and was dearly loved by her cherished family and friends. She will be forever celebrated, forever missed. 

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
11 am, Friday, August 14, 2015
Military Honors at Brownsville Cemetery

Bro. Jerry Patton and Pastor John Chidester will be officiating the services.

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