Donna Mullens

Donna Ruth (Edgin) Mullens went peacefully Home on August 21, 2023 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was 85.

Donna was born in Keensburg, Illinois on February 18, 1938 to Marshall and Ruby (Cummins) Edgin. As the second oldest of eight children, she quickly learned to look after her younger sisters and brothers and continued to "mother" those she cared about for the rest of her life.

Donna graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956 and Saint Mary of the Woods College in 1991. She married William "Bill" Mullens on May 11, 1957. They were married for 57 years until Bill's death in 2014. They had three daughters and six grandchildren.

Donna worked for the Good Samaritan Hospital Mental Health Center in the 1970s. She then worked at Essex Wire for over twenty-five years, starting as secretary to the plant manager before being promoted to shift supervisor.

From a very young age, Donna had a love of learning and stressed the importance of education to her children and grandchildren. Her belief in education was so strong that after she ensured her children finished college, she earned her bachelor's degree in business at the age of 53.

Donna attended many churches over the years and was a follower of Christ. She loved her country and often spoke of how lucky we are to be American. The National Anthem frequently brought tears to her eyes. She was passionate about saving the environment and practicing kindness to all living beings. Her compassionate energy was palpable as there was never a dog or cat she met that didn't immediately love her.

She was an accomplished seamstress and crocheter and an excellent cook. She loved hosting family dinners and holiday gatherings and listening to music on Sunday afternoons. With all her many achievements, her biggest source of pride was her children and grandchildren. Always one of their biggest fans, she rarely missed one of their events. She was eagerly awaiting the birth of her first great-grandchild (courtesy of her grandson Taylor and his wife Cassie).

Donna was a firm believer in fitness and nutrition. She was disciplined in her healthy lifestyle her entire life - following a vegan diet, walking in Gregg Park, practicing yoga, and exercising with Jack LaLanne DVDs up until her death.

Donna is survived by her daughters Sherry (Tim) Eaton, Kelly (Mike) Sims, and Robyn Mullens; grandchildren Taylor (Cassie) Eaton, Brett Eaton, Amara Crook, Kenny Crook, Ryan Sims, and Andrew Sims; siblings Reba (Bryan) Kimmell, Joann Howder, Carol (Ron) Fields, Linda (David) Waller, Dennis (Vickie) Edgin, and Kathy (Jerry) Burch. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Larry (Linda) Edgin.

In honor of Donna's strong convictions, donations may be made to The Ocean Foundation at oceanfdn.org or to Farm Sanctuary at www.farmsanctuary.org.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home at 524 Broadway St, Vincennes. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-6 p.m. Sunday and 12 p.m. until the hour of services Monday at the funeral home.