Donna Ellen Ann Skroback

Donna Ellen Ann Skroback, July 21, 1942-July 6, 2025


ALLEGANY - Donna Ellen Ann Skroback died peacefully Sunday (July 6, 2025) at Salamanca Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility, surrounded by her loving family, after a long illness.


She was born in Olean on July 21, 1942, the daughter of the late Everett and Maude Robinson. She was married to Gary Skroback of Portville for 25 years, then later found love and companionship with Ernest Chase, who predeceased her in 2023.


Donna was a 1960 graduate of Portville Central School and then went on to graduate from Beauty School in Buffalo.


She taught at Continental Beauty School in Olean for a short while.  She had her own shop out of her home in Obi, while her children were small, then moved her shop to the municipal building in Portville, with her friend and partner in crime, Rosalie Todd, for many years. Donna then went to work at Portville Central School in the custodial department. She enjoyed her time there with her co-workers and the students.


She was feisty until the end, blaming it on her red hair. Her potato salad, breakfast buns, cookies and pies were family favorites. She enjoyed all of her years camping, first at Rushford Lake, then at Sunny Hill. She also enjoyed her hummingbirds.

Donna was lovingly known as Houdini at Field of Dreams.

She always said her children were the best thing that ever happened to her.


Donna is survived by her daughter, Lori (Kevin) Dzielski of North Fort Meyers, Fla.; sons, Ronald (Brian) Burns of Bartow, Fla. and Timothy (Jennifer) Skroback of Portville; her grandchildren, Victoria Gayton of Olean, Brittany Williams, Robbie Skroback of Portville, Theresa (Timothy) Hicks, of Olean, Brooke (Michael) Schneider, McKenzie (Alex) Powell and Donovan Skroback of Portville; great grandchildren, Kaiden and Bryce Franklin, Imani Gayton, River and Ryder Schneider, Jeremiah, Bradyn and Kamron Hicks; and her favorite nephew, Rod Lowe and family.


She was predeceased by a son, Donald Skroback; her companion, Ernie Chase of 35 years; siblings, William Johnson and Robert (Nancy) Johnson; a special Aunt Hazel and Uncle Al Anderson who took her in after her parents' passing; and many cousins, nieces and nephews who she thought the world of.


Burial will be held in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, with a private family service.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Cancer Society or Allegany County Area Foundation.


Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., of Olean.


Online condolences may be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.