Donna Roark

Donna Rae (Belcher) Roark, 68, of 3900 State Route 250, Sumner Illinois, passed away at 2:55 p.m. March 13th 2012 at the Houston Hospice Center in Houston, Texas.She was born March 15, 1943 in Vincennes, Indiana to Lowell & Helen (Kensler) Belcher.After graduation from Monroe City High School, she entered the Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1964 and then married her high school sweetheart, Paul Roark on August 30, 1964.From 1964-1966 she was employed as OB Charge Nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital Nursery and from 1966-1973 she was office nurse for Dr. Frederick Spencer. She returned back to the hospital from 1973 to 1978 as a surgical nurse Donna was school nurse at South Knox Schools from 1978 to 1990 and in 1989 returned to college at St. Mary of the Woods while still working , and graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree. She was then employed at Good Samaritan Hospital Social Services Department. Donna retired in 2005 but still worked as needed. Her other accomplishments included: 1990 Deacon of the Indiana Presbyterian Church, 1998 Valiant Woman of the Year Award, member of Kappa Gamma Pi, 1990-2000 Knox County Red Cross Board Member, 1997 Social worker of the Year Award, and Board member of Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice since 1995. She was a active member of the New Hope Christian Church in Bridgeport where she had played the organ. Donna and her husband enjoyed riding their motorcycle and having their 5th wheel camper. Her family was her greatest achievement and her husband, sons, and their families were her pride and joy. Surviving is her husband, Paul Roark, two sons, Tim Roark of Paris, Illinois and Troy Roark and his wife Lori of Austin, Texas; a sister, Karen Massengill of Florida, and her grandchildren, Ryan, Rachel, Courtney, & Justin Roark. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. EDT Monday March 19, 2012 at Goodwin Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Cox & Pastor Coy Walters officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit from 2-7 EDT on Sunday. "Donna Roark has touched many lives. If you have any stories that you wish to share with her family to extend her legacy, please send them to donnamemories@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the New Hope Christian Church for building of a children's playground.