Donna Jean Ekin's Obituary
Donna J. Ekin of Jackson, Michigan passed peacefully Saturday, November 7, 2020, at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital. She was born July 21, 1936, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of late Alice Truax (Clemons) and Carl Clemons. She grew up on a farm and was the oldest of five siblings. She graduated from Napoleon High School in 1954 and went on to work as a ticket agent at the Greyhound Bus Station where she met Richard Ekin. On September 22, 1956, six months after a first date, they married. Donna also worked in the display department at Sears followed by the distribution center at Jacobson's Store in Jackson, until retirement in the mid 1990's.
She loved crocheting, traveling and camping, long rides in the country, watching hockey, singing in the church choir, and breakfast at the campground. She loved family gatherings and always made guests feel welcomed. Those closest to her will remember her warm hugs and "Hi Honey" greeting. She also was a fabulous cook, and made the best pies on earth.
She was a devoted wife, and a wonderful mother and grandmother who always put family first. She enjoyed a good laugh, offering her wisdom or advice, helping others, and always made time to attend special events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a strong faith and believed in the power of prayer.
She is survived by daughter, Cynthia (Patrick) Frederick; son, Robert (Kathleen) Ekin; step-daughter, Cheryl (Nelson) Craft; grandchildren Steven (Wendy) Holmes, Sara (Malon Backinger) Holmes, Bradley (Linnea) Ekin, Trevor Ekin; step-grandchildren Eric (Jennifer) Craft, Gabriel (Rebekah) Craft, Kevin (Marie Watters) Craft, and Troy (Sivan Shamam) Craft. Also left behind are four great grandchildren, Layla, Daxton, Mallie and Harper Backinger, two step great grandchildren, Annabella and Issac Craft; two sisters Virginia "Ginny" Brunk and Karlene (Calvin) Rydjord; two brothers, David (Reni) Clemons and Gerald Clemons; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Donna is husband, Richard (six months to the day); mother, Alice Clemons; father, Carl Clemons; and sister-in-law, Susan Clemons.
Donna was a member of Brookside United Methodist Church in Jackson. Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life will be scheduled at a date and time to be determined. Interment Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. For those who wish, contributions in her memory may be made to redcross.org/donate/memorial-donations
Special thanks to the staff at Allegiance Health who cared for Donna and stood by her bedside as family could not be with her.
Please visit www.arthur-day.com and visit Donna's obituary and select Tribute Wall to sign her guestbook and/or share memories, leave heartfelt wishes and condolences to all that loved and cherished her. She will be forever missed.
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