Donna Merritt

Donna Merritt, a woman of deep faith, boundless generosity, and spunky personality, passed away suddenly this past Monday, June 1, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born on March 11, 1944, in Huntington, Indiana, to Herschel Merritt and Mary Ellen (Burkhart) Merritt, Donna was raised in North Manchester, Indiana, where the value of hard work was woven into her life from a very early age. She went on to earn her nursing degree from Indiana University and her Master of Science in Nursing from IUPUI, dedicating over five decades to caring for others in the truest sense of the word. She began her career at Wishard Hospital and became one of the first female nurses on the Behavioral Unit. She served patients and families through Meridian Psychological Associates, MidTown Mental Health, and continued to serve as a caregiver until her time of death. She brought her love of plants alive when she founded The Plant Lady, LLC.

Donna made her home on the Northside of Indianapolis. For the last six years of her life, she lived with her son Jon, daughter-in-law Vicki, and grandchildren in Fishers. She found joy while tending to her flower garden, curled up with her beloved cat Chocolate, studying scripture, cheering on her favorite sports teams, or getting lost in true crime and mystery. She traveled the world some of her favorites included Jerusalem, India, the Dominican Republic, and Europe.

Maxwell and Madeline knew a grandmother who spoiled them shamelessly and loved them fiercely. She helped care for them, cheered for them at their sporting events, and poured into them the kind of love that children carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Donna was a member of Second Presbyterian, where she loved God openly.

She is survived by her sons Jon (Vicki) Wirth, and Dan (Holly)Wirth; stepchildren Jerry (Jana), Brian (Cindy), Laura (Neal), Leslie (Kurt), and Jennifer (Todd); Grandchildren Maxwell, Madeline, Luna, Fénix Orion, Zephyr, Adelé, Bodhi, and Olivia; and siblings Martha Pursifull and Bethany Merritt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herschel and Mary Ellen Merritt, and her siblings Karl Merritt and Rebecca Merritt.

A Graveside Service and burial will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46208.

McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St. Huntington, IN. is in charge of arrangements.   Online condolences:    www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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