Donna J. Kerrihard

Donna was born in Carrollton, Illinois, to Cecelia and Louis McGuire on June 11, 1938. She and her twin brother, Donald, were the youngest of eight children. They grew up on the family farm in Carrollton. She attended St. John the Evangelist High School, where she was a cheerleader. She met Tom Kerrihard, the new Carrollton High School science teacher and football coach, at a local diner where he would eat with a fellow coach. Tom sent Donna a dozen roses that Valentine’s Day, and she told her friends she thought she loved him. They married a few months later, in July of 1957, and went on to celebrate 63 anniversaries together.

Tom’s career with Merck moved them to Jacksonville, Illinois, where they started their young family. In 1968, they moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Donna was the devoted mother of four children who loved her silly spirit and servant-hearted nature. She was a prayerful and patient advisor and created a beautiful home they always loved returning to. She especially enjoyed supporting her kids through their high school years at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. For many years, she could be found in the audience at every play and musical production and in stands during football games, passing out the green spirit towels she made to help cheer the Fighting Irish to victory.

As the family grew to include spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she modeled faithfulness, hospitality, and kindness to every one of them. She also loved to celebrate. One of her greatest gifts to the family was her ability to create sweet holiday traditions that continue to bring them together today. One beloved tradition involved choosing a special Christmas ornament for every family member based on a highlight of their year. Her intentionality made others feel seen, loved, and treasured.

Donna was a gifted helper. Early on, she cared for infants awaiting permanent families through Catholic Charities. She was an active member of the Altar Society and led various service guilds at St. Francis of Assisi Parish for more than 60 years. She and Tom curated a large and loving group of friends who enjoyed weekly dinners together. She hosted spaghetti dinners, birthday lunches, and showers in her home regularly and loved celebrating Mother’s Day at Padre Island with a group of her best friends. Everyone loved Donna’s playfulness and humor—almost as much as they enjoyed her chocolate sheet cakes and annual Christmas cheeseball deliveries.

Donna is preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her parents, Cecelia and Louis McGuire; and her seven siblings. She is survived by her children: Karen Schumacher (Steve) of Oklahoma City; Kenny Kerrihard (Sherry) of Edmond; Pam Sollars (Jonathan) of Kansas City, Missouri; and Tim Kerrihard (Dana) of Palmyra, New Jersey. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and their spouses, and seven great-grandchildren, who knew her as “Grandma, the Great.”

Donna woke every morning before sunrise to pray for her family. She loved flowers, tended a lovely rose garden, and worked for many years at the American Floral Service. She adored St. Patrick’s Day, donning a curly green wig and outlandish green outfits at work, and making her traditional corned beef and cabbage for anyone who wanted to come for dinner. She enjoyed the beach, Braum’s ice cream, and a good margarita. She was a delight. Donna leaves a legacy of joy, and she will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Southern Plaza, Good Shepherd Hospice, and Synergy HomeCare for their excellent care and attention. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donna’s honor to Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School.