Donna Haynes

Donna Erlene Haynes, age 67 of Niles, Michigan, mother, grandmother, sister, camper, fisher, and caring friend died peacefully with her family gathered around her bedside at 11:37 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2023 following a brief illness.

She was born on July 12, 1955 in Michigan City, Indiana to Robert E. and Emma A. (Wible) Boze, and attended Michigan City schools.  She came to Niles in 1998, and was employed for many years at the Missing Sock Laundromat on Seventeenth Street.

Donna was not a regular church attender, but was a Believer.  She enjoyed the outdoors, camping at the Camelot Campground near Jones, Michigan and fishing whenever she was near a body of water.  Her favorite catches were catfish and dogfish (bowfin), and snapping turtles, all of which became family meals although she referred to the turtle soup as beef, until it was consumed and then she revealed the truth to the unanimous displeasure of her kids.

She is remembered by her children as a caring and giving person, especially to her kids and their kids, whom she loved above all else.

On December 3, 1977 she married Larry T. Haynes, Sr. with whom she celebrated the Fortieth Anniversary of their marriage prior to his death on January 8, 2018.  She was also sadly preceded in death by infant grandchildren Jasmine Haynes and Stella Haynes; and by Donna’s siblings, Bonnie Harmon and Wayne Shelton.

Surviving family includes her children, Beatrice (& Michael Couch) Haynes, Lisa (& Keith Ecker, Jr.) Haynes, and Nathan (& Rachel) Haynes, all of Niles; grandchildren Katlyn Whyde, Aaron Whyde, Damian Whyde, Arya Whyde, Ryley Whyde, Delilah Sheldon, Hailee Haynes, and Marilynn Sherrick; and Donna’s siblings, Roberta Dye of Lafayette, Indiana, and Cindy (& Randy) Burmen and Edgar “Dude” Boze, both of Rensselaer, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews.

The family of Donna Haynes will be gathering in the near future to share memories and to honor her life.  The details for that event will be announced on this website.  Those willing to assist the family with the expenses of these services may do so – with no administrative fees – through an icon on this webpage.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Donna clearly enjoyed life and the outdoors, especially when she could spend time with her family who meant the world to her – as she does to them.  She always went above and beyond for her kids and grandchildren, no matter what; fulfilling her motto: “Strong women raise strong children” .