Dona Tarbutton Utz

Biography:  Dona Utz passed away on July 20, 2013.   She was born on May 8, 1928 in Columbus, Ohio to the late James and Marcella Tarbutton.
 
 
Dona graduated from Worthington High School, attended the Ohio State University and completed her degree in Education at Heidelberg College.  She was very active in education in the community and throughout the state.  Dona taught grade school children in the Buckeye Central School System for 11 years and also served as a member of Ohio Agri-Women where she developed curriculum and materials for the Ag-in-the-Classroom program.  She served on panels with the LEAD program, (Leadership, Education, and Development) through the Ohio State University and was a member of the Volunteer Spokesperson Program in which she conducted presentations for the soybean industry.  Dona traveled extensively as a partner to her husband’s work on the many boards on which he served.  She was a long-time member of St John’s Lutheran Church in New Washington and was a founder of the Modern Mothers’ club. Dona was a devoted mother and wife.  An avid reader, Dona was passionate about books, helping to establish the public library in New Washington. 
 
Dona was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Robert F. Utz.   Her brother, James P. Tarbutton and sister, Molly T. Bell preceded her in death.  Surviving her are son, Daniel Utz and wife, Barb, of New Washington, OH; daughter, Beth Utz Warren and husband, Bob, of Matthews, NC; son, Craig Utz of Fayetteville, NC; and son, Douglas Utz and wife, Ginny, of New Washington, OH. Also surviving Dona are her fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
 
A memorial service in celebration of Dona’s life will be held at St John’s Lutheran Church in New Washington, OH on August, 4th at 2:00.  The family will receive visitors from 1:00-2:00 prior to the service, as well as after the service.
 
Memorials may be made to the New Washington Public Library.