Dona Jean (Hastings) Martin

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

   Born on September 27, 1928, in Sandusky, OH the daughter of Boyer and Sara Louise (Beier) Hastings.  Dona had attended Sandusky High School.  She had taught for over 40 years and had been instrumental in the beginning, with others, the creation of  the Betty Rinderle School, for special need students, which in the early days 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 had golfed well into her 90's and had still been 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 the  AMVETS and the 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, FL, Kathy (Joe) Hayberger of Sandusky and William "Bill" (Sue) Martin, Jr. of Sarasota, FL; her 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 and two great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Shirley Griffith of Sandusky; a sister-in-law, Joyce Hastings of Castalia; Mary Jo Martin; and her nieces and nephews.

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

   Visitation will be held on Friday morning, April 12, 2024, from 9 am until time of the funeral service at 11 am at the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH.  Rev. Wally Gilbert officiating.   Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky.

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

   The family would also like to thank the staff at the 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 are entrusted to the 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.

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