Dona Lynne Ferris

Dona Lynne Ferris, 68, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at the Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on December 16, 1954 in Wilmington, Ohio to Donald and Faye Osborn.

Dona was raised in Wilmington, Ohio where she was active in many school and community organizations. She graduated from Wilmington High school 9th in her class where she was in band and was a student volunteer for the local Head Start Program assisting staff nurses in disability testing for children. Her father was the Clinton County Sherriff and she spent much of her time as a little girl around her father and even lived in the upstairs of the Clinton County jail. Dona always spoke about how fun it was when her family lived in the county jail and said she often made friends with inmates. Her mother worked as an elementary teacher. These experiences led her to an interest in criminal justice and helping children.

After high school, Dona attended The Ohio State University and graduated from Franklin University with a degree in Business Administration. After college, Dona worked for the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorneys office where she started off working as an investigator in the Diversion Unit and then moving up to Director of Victims Assistance Unit, Juvenile Division where she spent most of her career and was passionate with helping children.

Dona made friends with everyone and always saw the best in people. She was compassionate and selfless when her friends and family were in need. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Dona was known for her smile that brought joy to others.

She is preceded in death by her parents Donald and Faye Osborn; and brother Allen “Sonny” (Sue) Osborn.

Dona is survived by her children Lindsey Ferris and Chris (Kim) Ferris; grandchildren Evan, Kami, Lily, Kate, Ian, and Gabe; sibling Larry (Juanita) Osborn; nieces Sherry and Cindy; and nephews Mason, Jarrett, and Jode.

A visitation and memorial service will take place at the Shaw-Davis Funeral Home, 4341 North High Street Columbus, Ohio 43214 on Thursday, December 7^th, 2023. Visitation will take place from 4-5pm with a memorial service to follow at 5pm.

The Ferris family would like to thank Ohio Health Hospice and all the staff and medical workers at the Kobacker House for the love and compassion they displayed while caring for Dona.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Kobacker House: https://www.ohiohealth.com/locations/hospice/kobacker-house?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=listings&utm_campaign=websiteclicksfacility

“owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law”

 -Roman’s 13:8