Donna Grace Kimmich

Our dear mother and grandmother, Donna Grace Kimmich, 95, of Wellington, passed into eternal rest on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital after a brief illness. Born on January 24, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Nelson E. and Virginia M. (nee Holly) Smith. Donna graduated from Lakewood High School, Class of January 1948, and attended Miami University of Ohio.

Donna married Allen (Al) Kimmich in the midst of Cleveland's famous1950 snowstorm after Allen, our dad, walked from Rocky River to Lakewood to be with his bride on their snowed-out wedding day. Donna and Allen lived in Columbia, SC during dad's Army service and moved to Wellington in 1954 to join Donna's father in running Wellington Auto Parts. Donna joined Allen in the operation of Wellington Auto Parts until the business was sold in 1996.

Donna was an active member of the Women's Afternoon Club, and along with her husband was a committed member of Wellington First Congregational United Church of Christ, where they were one of the original couples of the Fireside Club. The deep friendships formed through her commitment to church and community have nurtured and sustained Donna all these many years.

Survivors include children, Holly Watson, of Bainbridge Island, WA, and Ben (Debbie) Kimmich, of Wellington; grandchildren, Brian Watson, Mark Watson, Matthew Kimmich, David Kimmich, and Rachel (Jay) Adkins; and great grandchildren, Aubrey and Asher. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Robert Smith, and by her husband of 73 years, Allen Wayne Kimmich in 2023.

We will forever miss our beloved mother, as we have been missing our dear father these recent years. Blessed be the tie that binds. When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again (Fawcet, 1782). Sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of you who have directly and indirectly been a part of our lives through the lives of Donna and Allen Kimmich. Loving thanks to our dear friends and caregivers at Brookdale Medina South, where mom was able to enjoy new friendships, happy events, and warm sunny afternoons in the garden. We are truly grateful.

A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, beginning at 1:45 p.m. at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman. Those wishing to attend will meet at the cemetery 10 minutes prior to the service. Friends and family will be received Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 9 until 11:30 a.m.at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main St, Wellington for fellowship and light refreshments. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.