Donna J. Detraz Burkman Oliver, 83

Donna J. Detraz Burkman Oliver passed away on Sunday June 14th, 2020 at Miller’s Merry Manor of Hope, Indiana after her long battle with dementia.

She was born on Oct. 26, 1936 in Butlerville, Indiana to Loyal Ernest Detraz and Hilda Byrle (Edwards) Detraz.

Donna was a 1953 graduate of North Vernon High School and was married to Harold Marlin Burkman for 22 years. On August 31, 1979, Donna married ”Gene” Aaron Eugene Oliver and celebrated 31 years together before Gene passed away. She proudly included all seven of the children from her first and second marriages as her children: Deena (Mark) Dooley of Columbus, Brenda (Lynn) Dishinger and Teresa (Randy) Gearhart, both of the Hope area, Kent (Rosie) Burkman of Boca Raton, FL, Royce Oliver (Jo Lieland) of Shelbyville, Melinda (Jeff) Brown, Tony (Kim) Oliver, both from Columbus.

Donna’s work career included many years working for Family Services, JCPenney, and Centra Credit Union. Throughout her career she was known for being a hardworking, dedicated employee, a true friend to her colleagues and always ready to share laughter and stories about her family.

Her biggest smiles were reserved for her 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Oliver was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers Dwight Lee and Jimmy (infant) and one grandchild, Byron David Oliver.

Visitation is open to the public from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at Norman Funeral Home in Hope, Indiana. A public graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the Hope Moravian Cemetery. 

In keeping with Donna’s wishes and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Otter Creek Cemetery Maintenance Fund, Butlerville, IN 47223 or Hope Moravian Cemetery Perpetual Fund, 202 Main Street Hope, IN 47246. Memorial contributions should be mailed directly to the cause.

When visiting the funeral home for visitation hours, please be aware of the social distancing guidelines that we will be enforcing. Wearing a mask is encouraged.