Donna Kay Garwood

Donna Kay Garwood, 85, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

Donna was born on Jan. 21, 1939, in La Porte, Indiana, to Charles and Henrietta (Martinsen) Whitmer.

On Dec. 27, 1959, she married the love of her life, Carl Garwood, who survives. Also surviving are her children, Brian (Carey) Garwood, David (Dixie) Garwood, Michael (Tina) Garwood, all of La Porte, and Diane (Cash) Allison of Florida; along with her grandchildren, Cody (Elaine) Allison, Cory (Tayler) Allison, Ryan Garwood, and Rachel (Jay) Garwood; great-grandchildren, Acen, Eila, and Ozzy Allison; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Donna also had an exceptional caregiver and friend in Sarah Chikwasha, for the last several months.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Leah (Clifford) Halter; and brother, Henry (Betty) Whitmer.

Donna may have been known best for two decades of real estate brokerage ... as one friend said, "Donna was a real estate icon". Owning the RE/MAX franchise and helping sellers and buyers make real estate dreams come true was a passion for Donna from 1987 into the 2000s. Not just for the sale, but truly to help people. She donated services for charitable organizations and knew the homes, farms, and properties of this county better than many.

She dressed in style and worked nights, weekends, and many holidays. She was a success ... but not just personally – she mentored and encouraged others and set a better standard for real estate agents throughout the area. She loved being a REALTOR, but there was more to what Donna was known for, and a background that shaped that career.

Donna grew up on a farm in North Liberty, learning about hard work and a strong love for family. She was especially close with her brother, Hank.

She was strong, tenacious, and feisty! As a child, she broke her collar bone swinging on a church railing and fought off polio at a young age. In an era where few women went to college, she had parents who encouraged her to further her education at Purdue (as long as she never drank – which she would remind family often ... she never did). She had a love for creatures large and small from that farm life, which led to many beloved pets for future family. And family ... that was her crowning joy – her legacy.

Donna met her future husband, Carl, at Purdue, and was smitten. A new farm life was yet to unfold for her at Garwood Orchards. While she began the marriage as a Phys-Ed teacher, she of course helped in many ways at the Garwood farm.

Born in quick succession after marriage were Brian, Dave, Mike and Diane. They were loved and raised by Donna and Carl with that same hard work, commitment, and strong family love that was instilled by the farm families who raised them. Each of them – her pride and joy. That is ... until the grandchildren came. Children, vacations, real estate, self ... everything took a back seat to her grandchildren.

Her love for Cody, Cory, Ryan and Rachel could be compared to that of any grandparent ... and yet it was unique. As a grandmother, she had a special interest in who they were and who they would become. She encouraged them and loved all that they loved, without judgement or expectation. Like her children, Donna loved everyone who came into the lives of her grandchildren. Every person who ever mattered to a member of her family – mattered to her.

As a mother, grandmother, and REALTOR, Donna was always available. Her business cell message for years said she would "take calls until 9 p.m." Perhaps that's why her last call was from God when she passed away at 9:01 p.m.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at noon on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Church with Pastor Dennis Meyer officiating. Burial will follow at Carmel Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.

A time of visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to: Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G St., La Porte, IN 46350.

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.