Donna Jean McBarron

Donna Shroads McBarron, 89, of Louisville, KY passed away on January 24, 2025, just two
months shy of her 90th birthday.
She was born in Dormont, PA on March 27, 1935. However, Louisville became her lifetime
home.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Nate McBarron; her parents,
Stanley and Ethel Sias Shroads; her brothers, Jimmy and Tommy Shroads and her beloved
aunt, Harriet Sias Lester.
Donna is survived by her children, Ralph McBarron, Vicki Noel (Gary) and Anna McBarron
(Mark Wilinski); her grandchildren, Stephanie McBarron, Grace McBarron (Tim), Luke Noel
(Christie), Nate McBarron, Melissa McBarron, Logan Noel and Jordan Leonard (Jordan); as
well as her very loving nieces and nephews, her lifelong best friend, Linda Buckman (and
her family), and many others she positively impacted throughout her life.
After her children became school-aged, she began her career at Naval Ordnance. She
retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs (Human Resources) in the early 1990's.
In retirement, Donna and Nate embraced their best life together, selling their home and
traveling North America in their RV for 15 years. During that time, they spent many winters
in Casa Grande, AZ where they enjoyed golfing, hosting family trips and having happy hours
with fellow travelers. She rarely missed the opportunity to sit at a slot machine or take
money from friends in a good poker game. Above all, her favorite pastime was spending
time with her family, whether at her home or traveling to see them around the country.
Donna was a founding member and Secretary-Treasurer for the Derby City Cleveland
Browns Backers, and she was an avid UK fan. She also spent most of her life as an active
member of St. Polycarp Parish, volunteering in the cafeteria and at church picnics. She
later became a parishioner at Mary Queen of Peace.
She spent many years dedicated to her charity work including volunteering with Franciscan
Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, the Angela Merici High School Booster Club, the Sts. Simon &
Jude Clothing Store, and was an avid supporter of Crusade for Children.
Visitation will be held at Ratterman Funeral Home, 7336 Southside Drive, Louisville, KY on
January 30 from 3 pm to 6 pm, with the last 30 minutes to include a short service and
opportunity to share fond memories.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Crusade for Children.