Donna M. Neer Van Horn Pyhtila

Lima

Donna M. Neer Van Horn Pyhtila, 90, formerly of Jackson Center, died at 7:50 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009, at Green Hills Retirement Center, West Liberty.

She was born Feb. 16, 1919, in Van Wert to Andrew and Anna Pool Neer, who preceded her in death. She was preceded in death by her husbands,  Charles R. Van Horn, who died Nov. 14, 1972, Elbie Miller, who died in March 1983, and Melvin “Mel” Pyhtila, who died Aug. 25, 2009.

Mrs. Pyhtila was a homemaker and had retired in 1985 from patient transport from St. Rita’s Medical Center. She had been a member of Maplewood United Methodist Church, Maplewood. She was a member of Church of Christ, Lima, where she and her husband attended until she was unable. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and families. In her earlier days, she enjoyed square-dancing, singing and golfing, having made a hole-in-one at the age of 75. For several years, she and her husband had a winter home in Sebring, Fla.

Survivors include a daughter, Alice (Mel) Shields, of Bellefontaine; six brothers, Andy (Polly) Neer, of Shelby, Richard (Barbara) Neer and Gaylord (Betty) Neer, both of Sidney, Robert Neer, of Tipp City, and Jacque (Marilyn) Neer and David (Jan) Neer, both of Texas; three sisters, Rose Webb, of Sidney, and Christine Greer and Ruth Spyker, both of Urbana; four grandchildren, Mark (Sara) Shields, Sherri (Perry) Hodies III, Diane (Dave) Shields and David (Misty) Shields; and nine great-grandchildren, four stepgreat-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, John D. Van Horn, who died Sept. 23, 2006; and a brother, Herbert.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Sanford Funeral Home, Jackson Center. Pastor Jim Maxwell will officiate. Burial will be in Cedar Point Cemetery, Pasco.

Friends may call one hour prior to services  Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dementia Unit of Green Hills Retirement Center.

Condolences may be sent to sefh@charterinternet.com