Mrs. Mrs. Donna Louise Rider Hendershot

Donna Louise Rider Hendershot passed from this life at her home in Brown County, Indiana, on July 28, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on July 6, 1932, in Knightstown, Indiana, she was the cherished daughter of the late Earl and Ida Mae Durham Rider. Donna's life was a testament to her unwavering strength, love, and dedication to her family and community.

On August 25, 1951, Donna married the love of her life, Herschel Noel Hendershot, with whom she shared a beautiful and enduring partnership until his passing on April 7, 2006. Together, they built a family founded on the principles of kindness, faith, and togetherness. Donna's legacy continues through her loving daughter, Tamara "Susie" (Danny) Hendershot Cooper of Indianapolis, her adored seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish the blankets she lovingly made for each of them. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her sons, Ronald and Todd Hendershot; daughters, Linda Noel and Patricia K. Hendershot, her great-grandson Brandon Hendershot, and her brothers Cecil and Charles Russell Rider.

Donna's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family and her deep faith. At the young age of 23, she became a founding member of the Gnaw Bone Wesleyan Church and served as the church secretary for over 50 years. Her devotion to her faith community was an integral part of her life, and her contributions to the church will be remembered by all who knew her.

In addition to her family and church life, Donna was a dedicated homemaker and also worked in the cafeteria at Brown County Elementary School, where she touched the lives of many children and staff members with her warmth and kindness. Her interests extended beyond her work and church activities; she was an avid reader and found great joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Donna's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, service, and the joy she found in the everyday moments. As we bid farewell to Donna Louise Rider Hendershot, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of grace, compassion, and love.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Jonathan Moore Pike; Reverend Roy Hendershot will officiate. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 12 p.m. until service time Thursday. Private burial will be next to her husband at Burkhart Cemetery in Brown County. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, Operation Smile or Gideons International.

Condolences and special memories may be sent to the Hendershot family at barkesweaverglick.com.