Donna Jean Duff

Donna J. Duff, 89, of New Castle passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Henry Community Health. She was born June 27, 1936 in Cambridge City, Indiana to the late Perry Edward and Martha Maxine (Hutchinson) Close.

Donna was a 1954 graduate of Cambridge City High School and then attended Earlham College where she also worked as a secretary for 3 years. The majority of her working career was spent with New Castle Community Schools for over 20 years teaching in the Special Education Department. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church and currently attended Trinity Methodist Church. Donna enjoyed traveling, fishing but more than anything spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her four children, Dana (Todd) Salkoski of New Castle, Scott (Kristi) Duff of Indianapolis, Jason (Cathleen) Duff Noblesville and Charity Surface of Middletown; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a sister, Barbara (Paul) Widau of Centerville and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband in 2021, Calvin "Buzz" Leonard Duff; a brother, Ronald Close and a daughter-in-law, Shanna Duff.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Cindy Upchurch officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Methodist Church, 1336 J Ave. New Castle, IN 47363, Muncie Animal Care Services, 901 W. Riggin Rd. Muncie, IN 47303 or the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, 408 Trojan Lane New Castle, IN 47362. You may express condolences or share a memory of Donna at www.hinsey-brown.com.