Donna Ochenryder

Donna Joyce Ochenryder 89 of Niles, wife, mother, Grandmother and local historian, passed away early Saturday morning at Brentwood in Niles with her daughters at her side.

Donna was born in Niles on May 16, 1933 to the late Edward and Alice (Schau) Turtle. Donna is survived by her brother Joe Crocker, daughters Quin (David) Wright and D. Ann (Burl) Baber, four Grandchildren are Bryan Wright of Niles, Rebecca (Matt)Thompson of Frankenmuth, MI, Elizabeth (Ryan) Baker of Grand Rapids, MI and Andrea (Chris) Wilson of Peoria, AZ, and five Great Grandchildren which include: Kendall and Sawyer Thompson of Frankenmuth and Naomi, Micah and Milo Baker of Grand Rapids.

Donna married Herb Ochenryder on June 19, 1954 at the First Baptist Church in Niles.  They celebrated a remarkable 63rd wedding anniversary before his passing. Donna and Herb loved to Square dance and they were members of Foxy Squares square dance club in Lansing.

Donna was well known in the area as a knowledgeable historian and photographer. She had well documented Niles area history. Donna was retired from the State of MI as a supervisor at the MI Employment Security Commission. Donna was a member of many various organizations that included Daughters of the American revolution, Niles DDA, Red Hat Society, Fort St Joseph preservation and a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Niles.

Visitation for Donna will be on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles. A Funeral Service will be on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 11:00am at First Baptist Church 1446 E. Main St. Niles.

A live stream of the Funeral Service will be available at https://www.facebook.com/halbritterwickensfuneralservices

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Donna’s name be made to First Baptist Church 1446 Main St. Niles, MI 49120, Sumnerville Baptist Church 61268 Indian Lake Road, Niles, MI 49120 or to Grace Hospice 2725 Airview BlvdSuite 101 Portage, MI 49002-1804

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com