Donna Marie Downs

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our sister, Donna (Dietz) Downs, age 65, of Howell, Michigan. Donna faced her two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer with grace and courage, and passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 10, 1960, in Bayonne, New Jersey, to Charles and Lillian Dietz, Donna grew up in Monroe, New York, later moved to Katy, Texas, and eventually settled in Howell, Michigan, where she shared 25 wonderful years with her beloved husband, Bill Downs.
She is survived by her siblings, Charles (Veronica) Dietz and Lisa (Jim) Obrizok; nieces Jill (Andy) Williams and Jenna Obrizok; and her stepchildren, Jodie Jones, Peter Downs, Jennifer Downs, Samantha Hendricks, Rachel Thornton, Amanda Downs, and Cody Downs. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Lillian Dietz, and her husband, Bill Downs.
Donna had successful careers at Monroe Tube & Steel and later at MedLine Industries in Howell. She loved boating and traveling with Bill, and together they shared a passion for football, classic cars, dining out, and spending quiet time at home.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, MacDonald Chapel. 315 N. Michigan Ave., Howell, MI 48843. Donna will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband at Great Lakes National Military Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, on Monday, October 20, 2025.