Donna Leslie Stonehill, 76, of Frankfort, Ind., went to be with her Lord on January 9, 2024 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.  This is an unusual obituary because I am writing it before my death.  People are so much more than the sum of their activities.  I lived a fabulous life and leave with wonderfully warm feelings for those I left behind.  This is my final goodbye so bear with me while I bore you with kudos for those people who made my life so meaningful.

After a couple of bumps in the road, I was rewarded for my work in therapy by a nearly perfect man, John.  John and I enjoyed everything together.  We danced, played, antiqued, loved our families, snuggled and spoiled our doggies together.  He knew my heart better than anyone.  I had two great kids, well men now, Gerald and Gary McCarrell.  Gerald and I shared a passion for sci-fi and loved to design, make and wear our latest costumes to the sci-fi conventions.  My two grandchildren, Alicia and Miranda, are great young ladies.  Their children and my great-grandchildren, are fabulous.  I shared a love of Chicago and theatre with Bill and Karen Stonehill and their young ladies, Liz and Hannah.  My sister, Petie, was also my best girlfriend.

I came to Frankfort having lived in big cities and was apprehensive about this tiny town, but I bloomed in Frankfort.  I was saved at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, and my church family supported me through all the ups and downs of life.  I loved teaching dance to my Sassy Lassies at the Paul Phillippe Center and hanging out with the “girls”.  During my work at St. Vincent Hospital, I saw many hurting people and God pointed me to the Stephen Ministry as a way to do his work.  I visited with patients at the hospital and felt fortunate they shared just a little of their life with me.

Accepting Jesus in my life was the single most important thing I ever did.  It changed me in ways I can’t explain.  I’ve planned a Celebration of Life for those who want to express their sympathies to my family.  My colorful spirit has gone to be with my Lord and my body will be cremated so you won’t have to gawk at me, but I’m sure my family could use some hugs.

Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church, 58 S. Columbia Street, Frankfort, IN 46041, envelopes will be available.

 Feel free to talk about me now that I’m gone, but remember I can hear you from above!

Visitation and Services

Friends may visit from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 3 p.m. at on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. The Celebration of my life will begin at 3 p.m. at the funeral home, with Dr. Howard Law officiating.