Obituary of Donna Louise Long

Donna Louise Morton was born on December 10, 1940, in Monroe, Michigan.  She was one of three children born to the union of William Frank Morton and Arie (Hill) Shackleford.  Donna attended Monroe High School, graduating with the class of 1957.  Following high school, she enrolled at Monroe County Community College taking Business courses with a focus on Accounting.

Donna was blessed with three children: Cindy, David, and Robert, and to provide for them, she was employed for more than thirty years by Ford Motor Company.  When she wasn’t at work she was building memories. Known for a loving and caring nature, Donna enjoyed family picnics at Wampler's Lake, spending time with the children and the grandchildren who affectionately called her “Grandma Duck” was her favorite pastime.

Donna knew her way around the kitchen and was a phenomenal cook, known for her mouth-watering pasta dishes of spaghetti and rigatoni.  She liked to read, often diving into crime and mystery books.  She was a fan of American television crime drama series, “Rizzoli and Isles”.  Often referring to the two lead actresses as “her girls”, folks knew not to bother Donna when it was on.

Donna enjoyed spending time outdoors, with fall being her favorite season.  From her passion for watching the cardinals to prepping for Halloween she loved autumn.  She was a faithful member of Christ Lutheran Church in Monroe, Michigan.

Donna Louise Long, age 83 of Monroe passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Hospice of Lenawee Home Inpatient Facility in Adrian. Her passing was preceded by her parents: William F. Morton and Arie Shackleford; her son: Robert Long; a son-in-law: John Callahan; sister-in-law: Shirley Morton; and a brother-in-law: Larry Baggett.

To cherish Donna’s memory she leaves behind one daughter: Cindy Callahan of Morrow, Ohio; a son: David (Kim) Long of Monroe; a sister: Helen Baggett of Monroe; a brother: Jim Morton of Bellevue, Ohio; nine grandchildren: Becki Harris, Heather Killian, David (Megan) Long, Joel Long, Sarah Callahan, Alyson Callahan, Rachel Callahan, Samantha Long, and Courtney Long; eight great grandchildren: Jordan Diehl, Brittany (Jarren) Miller, Justin Diehl, Kylie Harris, Bentley Long, Hailey Long, Connor Long, and Benjamin Callahan; two great-great granddaughters: Shayla and Emily Miller.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday; October 14, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Donna’s Life will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday; October 15, 2024, also at Merkle’s with Pastor Jay Anderson of Cross Pointe Church in Monroe, Michigan, officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan.

Memorial contributions for those who desire are suggested to Hospice of Lenawee.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.