Dona K. Parks

Dona Kochell Parks, a cherished mother and grandmother known for her baking and ability to have fun, went to be with our Lord and Savior on August 20, 2024.

Dona was born on January 12, 1958 to Donald Kochell and Dona Louise Gayler of Ambia, Indiana. She had 5 older brothers: Tom, Alvin, Donny, Lawrence, and Gene, who all loved, cared for, and protected her as the little sister. During her childhood, she made many friends who lasted a lifetime, which is a testament to how much she valued her relationships with family and friends. She also became close to her nieces and cousins and treated them like sisters. Dona graduated Benton Central High School and soon after joined the US Air Force.

Dona married Tom Powers of San Antonio, Texas and had their first and only child, Amber. After leaving the Air Force, Dona became a professional baker and moved into management. She always had time for her daughter, attending all of her school events and taking her out for ice cream, the movies, or to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Dona was known to be the life of the party and loved riding theme park rides.

Eventually Dona moved back to Indiana to be closer to her family and soon settled into a new career as a pharmacy technician. Customers and co-workers alike loved Dona’s friendly smiles and witty jokes.

In recent years, Dona lived in Boswell, Indiana, spending her time with family and friends. She loved to bake and make jewelry; both of which kept her hands occupied while she watched the latest crime documentaries on TV. She was a devoted and loving grandmother who always had time to talk to her grandchildren and send them love over the many miles. Whenever Dona got the chance, she would visit her daughter and grandchildren in Washington, and often go on fun adventures with them.

Dona was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Dona, and her brothers Alvin and Tom.

She is survived by her daughter: Amber (Powers) Matteson of Graham, Washington; her grandchildren: Jonah Matteson (19), Lucy Cooper (16), and Gabriel Cooper (13) of Graham, Washington; and her brothers: Lawrence Kochell of Nixon, Texas, Donny Kochell of Bement, Illinois, and Gene Kochell of Elwood, Indiana.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Dona’s memory on September 21st, 2024 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon at Boswell Free Methodist Church in Boswell, Indiana. After the celebration, everyone is invited to head over to Kaz’s Bad Habits Bar and Grill to have a margarita or a coke in her honor. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, Oxford, IN is caring for the Parks family. Memories and condolences may be left at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com