Donna Marie McNeely, 62, of Lafayette formerly of Phoenix, AZ passed away at 9:34 am, Monday, April 16, 2018 at IU Health Arnett.

She was born a twin on April 24, 1955 in Lafayette to the late Grant and Marie (Hays) McNeely. She was Salutatorian of the class of 1973 Southwestern High School and awarded the Rolla M. Malpas Trust Scholarship to attend DePauw University. Donna also attended Purdue University School of Pharmacy and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy in 1979. She worked as a pharmacist and also for the State of Arizona. Donna retired there in 2012, and left behind many close friends when she moved back home to Lafayette to be near her family.

With the handicaps Donna faced in her lifetime, she had many shining moments and always maintained her sunny disposition in spite of them. Her moments included winning the 1969 Grand Champion Goat Showmanship at the Indiana State Fair; playing the flute in her high school marching band; rescuing Wally, her kitty, from the shopping carts at Walmart. From the beginning they had an inseparable bond, and she took great joy in his antics and neighborhood surveillance from his window perch. More recently Donna looked forward to cheering on the Purdue Men’s Basketball team, enjoyed following their successes for the last several years, and never missed watching a game with her Boilermaker family. Donna was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds, and loved watching the games and eating popcorn with her baseball buddy, Andrew. Donna spent many late nights laughing and puzzling with her twin. She also took delight in holding and singing the Frito Bandito song to her great nephew, C.J. Above all, Donna cherished her family and friends, and the times she spent with them.

She is survived by her 6 brothers and sisters, Patricia (Richard) Sawyer of Virginia, James (Joanna) McNeely of Washington State, Linda Pavol of Arizona, Michael McNeely of Indiana, Richard (Rebecca) McNeely of Indiana, and her womb mate, Debbie (Rick) Adams, at the family home on Poland Hill; 14 nieces and nephews; and 23 great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Grant and Marie McNeely.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donna’s name may be given to: Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923.

Visitation will be from 10:30 am until time of service at 11:30 am, Friday, April 20, 2018 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd with Pastor Brent Oliver officiating. Interment will follow at Meadow View Cemetery, 3733 Poland Hill Road, Lafayette, IN 47909.