Donna Elizabeth (Ayres) Hutton

Donna Elizabeth (Ayres) Hutton transitioned from living to the hereafter.  She was born on March 14, 1948 and died on January 24, 2024.  Donna was born to Frank and Helen Ayres and grew up on a farm near Sulphur Springs, Indiana with her brothers Mike and Brian.  She married William “Bill” Hutton on July 13, 1968, and they celebrated their 55^th wedding anniversary last summer.

Donna was a life-long educator, beginning in the school libraries, then spending the bulk of her career as a gifted/talented teacher.  She retired from East Elementary, Pendleton in 2011 after being a positive influence on countless young lives.

Family was important to Donna.  She and Bill were active supporters of every activity that their daughters Heather and Deirdre participated in, plus all the grandkid events that came along later.  Holidays always included extended family gatherings with fierce games of 6-handed euchre.

Donna’s favorite pastime was reading, always reading.  She said that she never minded waiting to pick someone up if she had something to read.  She and Bill belonged to the same bridge club for 49 years, plus she joined a few more bridge groups in retirement.  Donna was a long-time member of Tri Kappa, both in the active and associate chapters.  You could find her at any Pendleton band concert, football game, or basketball game.

Left to cherish her memory are husband Bill Hutton; daughters Heather (Douglas) Tannas and Deirdre Robinson; grandchildren Hannah Tannas, Noah Tannas, Eleanor Tannas, Josie Robinson, and Clint Robinson; brothers Michael (Arlene) Ayres and Brian (Kathy) Ayres; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life open house for Donna on Sunday, February 18, from 1:00-4:00 PM at East Elementary School Library, Pendleton.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the PHHS Band Program, One Arabian Drive, Pendleton, IN 46064; Outfitters Inc., P.O. Box 164, Pendleton, IN 46064; or Pendleton Community Library, Attention: Memorials, 595  E. Water St., Pendleton, IN 46064.