Donna Jean Mitchell (Kay, formerly Lude), 82, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2024. She was born on October 31, 1942, in Coal City, Indiana, to Donald and Jane (Love) Kay. Donna grew up in the Waynedale area of Fort Wayne. She enjoyed spending time with her paternal grandparents in their home in southern Indiana, where she found faith and her first taste of country living.

Donna and her first husband, Leonard F. Lude, were married in 1958. They welcomed their first child, Kevin, in 1960 and went on to have three more children: Christopher, Diana, and Jennifer.

In 1970, the family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, a change that led Donna to business school, where she earned her degree in accounting. While in Colorado, Donna enjoyed outings and camping trips with her family in the beauty of the mountains.

In 1976, the family returned to Indiana. They settled on a farm in Hamilton, where Donna and her family experienced the challenges and joys of farm life. It was from this home that the family's three eldest children entered adulthood before a move was made to Fremont.

A successful businesswoman, Donna founded and owned Budget Tax & Accounting in Angola, Indiana. After returning to her beloved city of Fort Wayne, she continued to commute to ensure the success of her business before transitioning into a dream career in real estate. For more than two decades, she assisted clients and families with existing homes and new home construction, eventually becoming a Licensed Real Estate Broker and REALTOR®. Donna's genuine ability to connect with her clients and others in the industry, paired with her wonderful problem-solving and negotiation skills, brought many years of great energy to the local market. Earning top-producing awards throughout her real estate career, Donna's achievements stand as a testament to her exceptional work ethic and heartfelt devotion to serving clients and their families.

In 2000, Donna married her second husband, Michael Mitchell, and they lived the next 17 years of life together in Fort Wayne. Donna cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, enjoyed playing cards, bingo, traveling, hosting get-togethers, reading, and tending her flower beds and small garden.

In 2011, a profound tragedy broke Donna’s heart when she lost her beloved son, Kevin. Though she carried the heavy mantle of a mother’s grief for the rest of her days, there is a beautiful solace in knowing they are finally reunited. Those who knew Kevin well remember that Christmas was his favorite holiday, a season he filled with joy and spirit. In a final, poetic tribute to their bond, Donna passed away on Christmas Eve. It is a bittersweet comfort that on the very day Kevin loved most, he was there to welcome his mother home.

Donna was a generous person, and people always seemed to let their guard down around her because of her kindness and listening ear. She lived a full life, yet her greatest legacy was her grandchildren.

Donna is survived by her children, Christopher (Hanna) Lude of Denver, Colorado, Diana (Mike Linnemeier) Lude of Ossian, Indiana, and Jennifer (Daniel) Hartzler of Fort Wayne, Indiana; her stepdaughter, Kim (Michael) Grieme of Erlanger, Kentucky; her beloved grandchildren, Andrew (Jessica) Wisel, Brandon Hartzler, Aaron (Melanie) Lude, Brittany (Joshua) Schnare, Kristina (Billy) Stuller, Bradley Hartzler, Klara Lude, Nicholas Lude, Mary Lude, Cassandra Hart, Alex Grieme, Brayden Grieme, and Dylan Grieme; her treasured great-grandchildren, Gemma, Aaden, Isabella, Addison, Zoey, Brylen, Kayla, Aurora, and Madelyn; her sister, Roberta (Allen) Wood; her brother, John Tipton; and many loving extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Mitchell; son, Kevin Lude; father, Donald Kay; mother, Jane (Love) Sattison; sister, Mary Kalvaitis; brothers, Harold Kay and Darell Kay; stepmother, Edna Marie Kay; and the father of her children, Leonard Lude.

The "Donna" whom family and friends knew and loved will never be forgotten. Her ability to light up a room with her smile and spirit will live on in all whose lives she touched.

A private family gathering was held. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission at FWRM.org.