Donna Marie Mellis

Donna Marie Mellis, 76, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on April 22, 2023, with her husband & daughters by her side. She was born in Boston, Mass on October 30, 1946, but moved to Virginia at an early age. Her father Walter “Rudy” Rutina, a WWII vet, and Purple Heart survivor of Omaha Beach, was transferred to Pittsburgh, PA in 1962 by the Army Corps of Engineers who he worked for. It was at a local pool that summer that Donna met her lifelong partner and soulmate, George. Dating through High School and marrying when George was a senior in college, they were married for 55 years. Together they had two daughters, Stephanie and Michele.

Donna loved the beach, was a great swimmer, loved arts and crafting, gardening and most of all her family. While George was in the Army and later working for the Federal Government. Donna had a position in the Trust Department at Mellon Bank, was an executive secretary for Arlington County and later as a school secretary.

Donna was a beautiful person both inside and out. She made friends easily and had a compassionate spirit towards everyone she met. She was George’s rock and soulmate. Donna was a strong fighter going through one setback after another over the past two years. She is peacefully and thankfully free of pain.

Donna is survived by her husband George; daughters, Stephanie Hillenbrand (Jon), Michele Harrell; and granddaughter Lexi Hall (Keith).

A visitation will be held tonight, Wednesday, April 26 from 5 – 7 pm at Bucktrout Funeral Home located 4124 Ironbound Road. A funeral service will take place at Bucktrout on Thursday, April 27^th at 1:30pm. A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 1^st at 3:00 pm at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434.