Donna Lee Hunkele

Aiken, SC - Donna Lee Hunkele, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at the age of 80. Donna is survived by her devoted husband Bill, their five children her daughters, Michelle (Tom) Giles of Buffalo, NY, Debbie (Jay) Russell of Arcadia, KS and her three sons Steve (Renee) Farmer of Waxhaw, NC, Dale (Kathleen) Hunkele of Columbus, GA, and William (Kathy) Farmer of Plymouth, IN, her sister Betty Lou Connelly of Alloway, NJ and brother Harvey “Itch” Keeler of Spring City, TN. One of Donna’s greatest joys were her grandchildren Kyle, Abby, Hannah, Jayce, AJ, Scott and Chris, and most recently her great grandson William. Donna is preceded in death by her parents, her brother William Keeler, who died in the Vietnam War in 1968 and granddaughter Samantha Milburn whom was taken by childhood cancer.

Donna was born in Salem, New Jersey to Betty (Nelson) and Harvey Keeler on October 13, 1943. She was raised in Pennsville NJ and attended Pennsville Memorial High School, where she was named Homemaker of Tomorrow in 1961. She married the love of her life, Bill Hunkele on June 13, 1981 in Bridgeton, NJ. Over many years, she worked as a very popular secretary/assistant for companies such as Butcher & Singer, DuPont and PSE&G. She enjoyed her puppies, Sparky and Mandy, golfing, puzzles, and traveling.

The family of Donna wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Augusta University Health System and specifically Doctors Musa Sharkawi and Evan Hiner who provided excellent medical and moral support during Donna’s medical journey. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org) and/or Sami’s Legacy at 635 E 710th Ave, Arcadia, KS 66711.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC