Donna Menelle

Donna (Arlow) Menelle, 86, went to be with the Lord on October 21, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. Donna was born on April 24, 1940 to Steve and Mary Arlow. She spent most of her life in Campbell and Austintown, Ohio before relocating to Centerville, Ohio in 1989.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her five beloved brothers: Rudy & Peter Arlow, and Daniel, Louis & Robert Jurich; her niece Debra; and nephews, Louis Jr. and Wayne Jurich.

A 1958 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, Donna began her career at Packard Electric before embracing her roles as a wife and mother. Several years later she joined Jerry Lee’s Jewelry where she worked for many years while living in Youngstown. During that time she also attended Youngstown State University, completing several courses before moving to the Dayton area. Continuing her commitment to learning and professional growth, Donna attended Sinclair Community College while working at National City Bank. She ultimately retired from Wright State University, where she spent a decade as an Administrative Professional in the Lifespan Health Research Center & School of Medicine. She was an active member of the Classified Staff Advisory Council, Wright State Organization for Women and the WSU Retirees Association. After a remarkable 50-year working career, Donna devoted her time, energy and talents to causes close to her heart. She volunteered with the National Literacy Foundation at Kettering Schools, the Cox Arboretum MetroPark Wildflower Group and served as an ombudsman for the Ohio Department of Aging. Donna also gave generously of her time, canvassing neighborhoods to collect donations for the American Cancer Society, reflecting her caring spirit and desire to make a difference in the lives of others. She also cherished her time exercising at the Kettering YMCA, where she found friendship and community among her SilverSneaker friends and truly enjoyed occasional trips to the casino, where she had fun trying her luck at the slot machines.

Above all, Donna was a devoted mother and loving grandmother, affectionately known as “Baba”, who treasured time spent with her family and found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. An avid reader and lifelong learner, she enjoyed exploring books through the Centerville-Washington Township Public Library and was always curious about the world around her. Donna’s talents excelled in the kitchen where she would prepare favorite family recipes and generously share homemade meals and baked goods with her family and neighbors. Her thoughtfulness and generosity were reflected in the many small ways she made others feel cared for and welcome.

Donna leaves behind her beloved daughter, Christina Fillinger (David) of Centerville and her son, Michael Menelle (Mary Katherine) of Canfield, Ohio. She was a fiercely proud grandmother to Danielle, Nicholas, Sophia and Lauren and loving great grandmother to Elio and Luciana. She is also survived by her niece, Donna, and her nephews, Michael and Robert Jr., who reside in Hawaii. Donna was blessed with lifelong friendships that spanned nearly eight decades. The “Fab Five”-Mary, Marilyn, Norma, Sandra, and Donna-shared a special bond filled with joy, laughter and countless memories. Though Norma preceded Donna in death, their friendship remained an enduring and treasured part of Donna’s life.

Donna will be remembered for her devotion to family, her generous spirit, her love of learning, and the warmth she shared with those around her. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured and the many lives she touched through her kindness and service.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held by her family on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Cox Arboretum MetroPark Kettering Learning Lab, 6733 North Springboro Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45449.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to one of Donna’s favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Feed The Children, No Child Hungry and St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. To share a memory of Donna or leave a message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.