Whitney, Donna Rae {Hutchison} 72 of Tipp City passed away Friday, April 19, 2013 at Hospice of Dayton. Born May 20, 1940 in San Diego, CA to LaFonn Stewart and Vesta Dott {Grigg} Hutchison. She is preceded in death by her parents and two children; Brett Alan and Gregory Douglas Whitney. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years; Douglas W. Whitney, and five children; Geoffrey, Matthew, Elizabeth, William, and , Joseph; along with 17 grandchildren and 1.5 great grandchildren. Donna was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She has also served as the Secretary of the Board of County Commissioners, Latah County, ID and was a long-standing Newspaper Columnist where, owing to her insightful wit, she was sometimes known as the "Erma Bombeck of Idaho." She had a flare for connecting with youth, as she was often volunteered to serve them, recently as a Seminary and Sunday school teacher; and in supporting the Tipp City High School Marching Band. She was quietly compassionate, which led to countless hours of service to the less fortunate and ministry to the disenfranchised. As a devoted Army Wife, she endured her husband's deployments to Viet Nam along with multiple relocations all while raising her family to understand it was a privilege to serve; never complaining. To the contrary, she relished the adventure. Throughout her life, she approached all hardships with remarkable style, grace and humor. She accomplished this by enjoying the simple things. Donna was a very proud "chocoholic" who loved to travel light; recalling recently that one of her happiest days was spent horseback riding on a Caribbean beach with her husband. An expert in Genealogy, Donna had a strong connection to her ancestors. She loved history and was an avid reader of historical fiction. Her love of Scotland and her heritage became a unifying force for the entire family. Donna taught others how to identify and experience beauty; and how to allow it to touch your soul. She taught that true beauty is timeless; and that the Spirit of God can speak to us through good music and humor. She especially appreciated ballet and musical theater Music became the framework of her life and she believed each of our lives had beautiful sound-tracks if only we would listen. Her uncompromising views of beauty and timeless truths combined with her willingness to laugh made her a powerful yet gentle influence for good upon everyone she encountered. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 475 W. Loy Rd., Piqua, OH, Bishop William T. Jensen officiating. Burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Tipp City. Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, April 22, 2013 at FRINGS AND BAYLIFF FUNERAL HOME, 327 W. Main St., Tipp City, Ohio 45371 and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Contributions may be made in memory of Donna to the March of Dimes , attn: DRFR 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605 or by visiting: https://www.marchofdimes.com/howtohelp/donation_in_memory.asp www.fringsandbayliff.com