Mrs. Sara Jane Donaldson, 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 16, 2019. She was born in Boone Township, DuBois County, Indiana, on October 16, 1930, a daughter of the late Albert Edward and Clara Eva (Mehne) Rudolph. Mrs. Donaldson was raised and educated in Jasper and was a 1947 graduate of Jasper High School.
She attended Indiana University in Bloomington before completing her R.N. in 1951, in Indianapolis at the Indiana University School of Nursing. She was a nurse at the Indiana University Medical Center and Robert Long Hospital in Indianapolis prior to her marriage. On November 22, 1953, she was married to John Weber Donaldson in Bloomington, Indiana.
Mr. Donaldson preceded her in death on April 26, 2015. As a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Sara enjoyed her family and their activities. She was active in Republican politics and supported her husband throughout his political career.
She was active in various civic and volunteer activities and was named a “Sagamore of the Wabash”. As an avid I.U. fan, Sara enjoyed many activities in Bloomington as well as Lebanon sports. She liked to participate in golf and tennis.
Sara held various memberships including, First Presbyterian Church in Lebanon where she served as an Elder, a Deacon, a member of Faith Circle and Prayer Chain; Ulen Country Club; honorary Member of Tri Kappa in Lebanon since 1960; Boone County Republican Women’s Club and the “Vice Squad”; State Assembly Women’s Club Member since 1956; Red Cross Volunteer; and member of the Domestic Violence Commission under Governors Bowen and Orr. Survivors include: Three Children: Carmen Donaldson of Lebanon, Indiana Catherine Donaldson– Kelly and husband, Dan of Indianapolis John Bradford “Brad” Donaldson and wife, Tina of Seattle, Washington Nine Grandchildren: William Yanney, II Kendra Yanney Sara Yanney Maryanne Streer Megan (Jason) Skidmore Joshua (Sara) Buckallew Taylor (Ani) Buckallew Patrick (Megan) Buckallew Michelle Buckallew Eight Great Grandchildren Brother-in-law: Max Merritt of Indianapolis Nieces and Nephews In addition to her parents and husband, Sara was preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas Rudolph and George Rudolph; and a sister, Mary Merritt. Funeral Services are planned for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, in Lebanon, Indiana, with Rev.
Terri Thorn, officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.
Memorials may be direct in her memory to the First Presbyterian Church, 128 East Main Street, Lebanon, Indiana 46052 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sara Jane Donaldson please visit our Sympathy Store.
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