Donna Marie Mellis

April 22, 2023
Donna Marie Mellis

Gifts & Memorial Donations

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 27th at 1:30pm. A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 1st at 3:00 pm at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434.


Funeral Service

Thursday, April 27, 2023
1:30 PM

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

Burial

Monday, May 1, 2023
3:00 PM

Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery - Directions
5310 Milners Road
Suffolk, VA 23434

Visiting Hours

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road Williamsburg, VA 23188

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  • April 29, 2023
    1 says:
    Donna was the school secretary when I returned to teaching at Chapel Christian School. She was such a blessing. She answered all my questions and if she didn't have the answer at hand she found it! I'm sorry for her family's loss but know that she is with God. Blessings to you all.

  • April 26, 2023
    Stephie says:
    I love you to the moon and back Mom, my sweet angel. Love always, your Fluffy