Donita K. McFarland

A funeral service for Donita K. McFarland, 79, of Hebron, OH, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, with Pastor Brian Harkness officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at the funeral home, 985 N. 21st St. Newark.

Donita passed away May 11, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital. She was born November 13, 1945, in Newark, OH, to the late Donald F. and Lola (Norman) Gutridge.

Donita was a 1963 graduate of Lakewood high school, where she spread spirit and joy as a cheerleader.  After spending a remarkable 30 years with Lakewood Schools, she retired, having previously spent a decade working for Park National Bank. As a devoted lifetime member of New Life Church in Hebron, Donita embodied the true spirit of church, community, and compassion. Her love for her grandchildren knew no bounds, as she enjoyed watching them play sports. Donita's zest for life was contagious, inspiring all around her with her boundless enthusiasm for trips to Amish Country, traveling, exercising, and cherished time with friends and family.

She is survived by her husband, Michael McFarland, whom she married on July 14, 1968; two children: Kim (Nick) Trubiano of West Chester, PA and Kevin (Mandy) McFarland of Pataskala, OH; four grandchildren, Kylee and Cullen McFarland, and Dominic and Roman Trubiano; sister, Kathleen (William) Lattig; sister-in-law, Marla Gillum; nieces, Lori Lattig and Kelly (Mike) Trein; nephews, Matt (Lora) Lattig and Matthew (Christina) Gillum; several great-nieces and great-nephews; aunts, Virginia Gutridge and Nora Lee Gutridge, and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to New Life Church, 925 W. Main St. Hebron, OH 43025.

To sign an online guest book, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.