Donna Lee (Gibb) Ackerman, 91, of Peru, passed away 5:30 pm Sunday November 2, 2025, at her home. She was born in Clairton, Pennsylvania, on October 1, 1934, the daughter of the late Walter and Maude (Shoenbach) Gibb. On June 21, 1952, she married Ronald “Ron” F. Ackerman, and he preceded her in death on June 16, 2023.
Donna was the heart of our family. She, along with her husband Ron, raised their two children, Karen and Scott, in a very happy and loving home surrounded by trees and nature in Burlington. She graduated high school in Clairton, Pennsylvania in 1952. She formerly worked as a bank teller at Salin Bank and as a secretary at Bob Justice’s law office in Burlington. She was the most compassionate caretaker of her children, grandchildren and husband, as well as the dozens of rescued animals that she took in and loved over the years. Even the smallest of animals seemed to know she loved them and felt comfortable and safe with her. She greatly enjoyed baking for her family, and her gift of baking has been passed down through her children to her grandchildren. She was very artistic and wove an amazing tapestry of flowers in her many gardens around her home. She was an avid reader and formerly a Girl Scout Troop leader, who made all of the neighborhood children feel welcome. Donna was strong and intelligent; she was stoic and loving. She had a wonderful, witty sense of humor that made us laugh. She gave of herself without hesitation, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her children, Karen Lee (Douglas) Hansen, Ronald Scott Ackerman; grandsons, Jordan Hendershot, Caleb Hendershot; son-in-law Douglas Hansen, and grandson-in-law, Yilmar Garcia.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Maude Gibb; husband, Ron Ackerman; and brother-in-law, Maynard Ackerman.
A graveside service celebrating Donna’s life was held November 10, 2025, at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E. 38th Street, Marion, IN 46953, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to the Wildcat Creek Wildlife Center at wildcatwildlifecenter.org. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.