Dona Schuller

CANFIELD - Dona Schuller, 78, died Sunday at Briarfield at Ashley Circle in Austintown.

Dona was born Dec. 17, 1930 in Youngstown, the youngest daughter of George and Reba Rice.

Dona was a graduate of Canfield High School, was mostly a stay at home mom, but her friends at Plakie Toy where she painted toys, will remember her as "Dona, with the smiling face." This same smiling face greeted the patients of Dr. Robert G. Morrison, where Dona worked as his dental assistant.

Dona was known as the "Herb Lady" and her creative talent for turning them into glorious wreaths and dried arrangements was special. She shared her love for antiques with her sister, Joy, as a partner in Sweet Meadow Antiques for 30 years, exhibiting and marketing at a circuit of antique shows in the area. Dona's special touch in her home was featured in two publications, "Country Home" and "Time-Life Series." Dona took special delight in visiting her sister, Ruth in Maine, and the home of she and her husband, Fred became the gathering place for most family celebrations.

Dona was always sensitive to the needs of those less fortunate then she, and was known to quietly slip a donation or do a helpful deed to those whose days she helped brighten.

She leaves behind to celebrate her life, her husband of 55 years, Fred H. Schuller. Dona is much loved and remembered by three children, Mark Linda Schuller of North Canton, Todd Debbie Schuller of Boardman and Gretchen John Fernstrom of Canfield; her eight grandchildren will always remember Gramma's encouraging and playful ways, Brian Schuller, Erin Mark Lindsey Schuller, Tyler Schuller, Todd II Schuller, Kelly Ryan DeGeorge Schuller, Kevin Schuller, Katie Fernstrom and Tim Fernstrom; and her sisters, Ruth Gordon Rawson and Joy Bill Thomas. Several nieces and nephews will remember Aunt Dona with special affection.

Besides her parents, George and Reba Rice, Dona was preceded in death by a sister, Enid Weingart; a brother, George Bud Rice; and a brother, Jay Rice.

Her family would like to remember with thanks Dona's affectionate comfort keepers, the staff at Briarfield, and especially her loving and devoted niece, Patti Hedwall whose watchful and tender care put her family at much ease.

Dona's family requests that any material gifts be made to the local Alzheimer's Association of Mahoning Valley, 3695 Boardman-Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

Services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, conducted by the Rev. David Smith of the Zion Lutheran Church, where Dona was a lifelong member. Burial will be at the Canfield Cemetery.