Donna M. Claar 1941-2025

Donna was born on April 7, 1941, in Altoona, Pa., the daughter of Glenn and Lloydell Stuller Rickens.

She was a 1959 graduate of Cresson Joint High School and dedicated many years to her community as a bus driver for Fairhaven Schools.

A faithful member of St. Pope John XXIII Parish-St. Stephen Catholic Church, Niles, Donna found joy in simple pleasures. She loved playing bingo, scrapbooking and indulging in banana splits. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her beloved family.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 66 years, Gene “Pap” Claar, whom she married on April 11, 1959, and who passed away on April 6, 2025.

Donna will be profoundly missed by her loving family, including a son, Rick Claar (Darlene); two daughters, Sharon Jones (Russell) and Cindy Clementi (Christopher); a sister, Debbie McElheney (Tim); her grandchildren, Rick Claar II (Kayla), Jeff Claar (Keelyn), Eric Jones (Jessica), Breanna Jones (Nick), Alex Clementi (Emma), Jullianna Clementi, Nico Clementi (Elle) and Gabriella Miller (Andrew); her great-grandchildren, Declan, Brynn, Ricky III and Rayah Claar, Emerson and Evelyn Jones, Charlotte Kohuth and Joah Clementi; and her sisters-in-law, Janice Minielli and Marilyn Hollen.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Sandra Lynn Claar; stepmother, Wilna Rickens; three brothers, Paul, Tom and James Rickens; three sisters, Lois Moreland, Patti Carnes and Glenna Westover; and her beloved dogs, Shontzee and Stone.

Friends and family may call from 3:30 p.m. until the time of the 5:30 p.m. funeral service on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home, Niles.

Burial will be held in Niles City Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Family and friends can visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Donna’s family.

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