Vera Donnar, 94, Vincennes

Vera Lee (Cornelison) Donnar, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in Naples, Florida, on February 13, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on November 1, 1930, in Vigo County, Indiana, Vera lived a life full of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community.
She attended school in Emison and graduated from Oaktown High School in 1948. She was a devoted member of Emison United Methodist Church for many years, and after moving to Vincennes, she attended First Church of God, where she continued to grow in faith and fellowship.
Vera worked for several years at Grants and JCPenney’s, where she enjoyed meeting and helping people in her community.
She cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always bringing warmth and laughter to those she loved. Whether playing cards, dominoes, or simply socializing, she had a gift for making every moment special.
She had a heart for service, volunteering at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes and Oak Village Nursing Home in Oaktown, where her kindness and compassion touched many lives.
She was married to the love of her life, Thurman “Babe” Donnar, for 63 beautiful years until his passing on May 3, 2012. Their love story was one of deep devotion and unwavering support, a testament to the life they built together.
Vera is survived by her daughters, Cindy Fisher and Denise Reed, both of Naples, Florida, and her son, Kent (Barb) Donnar of Bruceville, Indiana. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michelle (Aaron) Reagan of Indianapolis, Leah (Ryan) Reedy of Bruceville, Indiana, and Hannah (Parker) McNeely of Indianapolis. Her great-grandchildren, Quentin, Brianna, and Peyton Reagan, and Warren James Reedy, brought her immense joy and love.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Shirley Cornelison, along with many special nieces and nephews who held a dear place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvis and Marie Cornelison; her brothers, Otto, Eugene, Cecil, and Robert Cornelison; and her sisters, Lois (Mutchmore) Cornelison and Lorinda Sue (Lucas) Cornelison.
Vera’s legacy of love, generosity, and joy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by her family, extended family, and friends.
A celebration of Vera’s life will be held at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home on March 1, 2025. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by a service at 1:00 PM.
Following the service, Vera will be laid to rest at Oaktown Cemetery in Oaktown, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helping His Hands Disaster Response or any other charity of choice in her honor.
May she rest in peace, reunited with those who went before her, and forever remembered by those who loved her.