Oct. 15, 1911 - Dec. 30, 2009
Donna Dee Lorts, 98, Sharpsville, died at 7:44 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at Tipton Hospital. She was born Oct. 15, 1911, in Nevada, Ind., the daughter of Cash and Bessie (Shaw) Cottingham. In 1931, she married Wayne Lorts, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 29, 1978.
She graduated from Sharpsville High School, had belonged to Nevada Methodist Church and attended Windfall Church of the Brethren.
Donna Dee believed in the sanctity of marriage and wanted others to experience the joys she had shared with Wayne. She relished being a farm wife and took an active part on the farm, cooking and helping out in the fields. After Wayne died, she continued living on the farm. She delighted in the frequent visits from family.
Donna Dee was often found at the kitchen table with a book in her hands, her faithful dog, Sally, by her side, and an endless supply of love and snacks for her visitors. She relished the exuberance of children even when her grandchildren kicked a football out of her upstairs window and her great-grandchildren played rambunctiously under the bed at family gatherings.
Surviving are daughters Sandy Richey and husband Jim, Sharpsville, and Ricky Moeller and husband Ron, Kokomo; and sons Terry Lorts and Ted Lorts and wife Sandy, all of Sharpsville. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Tim Richey and wife Maigen, Tracy Dorsett and husband Tony, Dan Lorts, John Lorts and wife Tammy, Jim Lorts and wife Carol, Ted Lorts and wife Pam, Bob Lorts, Rhonda Conwell and husband Adam, Renae Shirley and husband Dan, and Ryan Moeller and wife Aly. Donna Dee also had 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son and one sister, Cuma Sullenger.
Her funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, Tipton, with Pastor Bill Salsbery presiding. Burial will follow in Nevada Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
