Hutchings

Donna Ruth Hutchings, age 76, passed away Nov. 19 at her son’s home in San Tan Valley, Arizona.

She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and lived in several other states, including Colorado, Virginia and Arizona; but her southern roots were deep, and she always thought of herself as a southern girl. Her wishes were to be laid to rest, with other family members, in the peaceful, picturesque cemetery at Peeled Chestnut Methodist Church in Sparta.

Donna was full of life and loved traveling, decorating and dancing. Her family considered her a "dog whisperer," as she had a special love for dogs, and most animals returned her love; strange dogs would nudge her as she passed them on the street and the ducklings at her apartment complex ran to greet her.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, "Baby Dennie" and her parents, Dennis and Julia Hutchings.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Edward (Debra) York, III and granddaughter, Victoria Rios of San Tan Valley, Arizona, brother and sister-in-law, Charles Ronald (Joyce) Hutchings of Sterling Heights, Michigan.

She also survived by three aunts; Jeffy Turner of Sparta, Helen Judkins-Faul of Michigan, and Robbie Young of Smithville; two uncles, Claude Billings of Sparta, and Rodney Faul of Michigan; nieces, Jill Hutchings-Robinson and Joey Hutchings of Michigan; great nephew and great niece, Robby and Caroline Robinson of Michigan and many beloved cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 24 at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, in Smithville. Gary Rickman officiated.

Pallbearers included; Mark Judkins, John Billings, Ronald Hutchings, Eddie Hutchings, Steve Billings, Luke Paraventi, Eric Peterson, and Jason Billings.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, Smithville was in charge of the arrangements