The East Butler community is mourning the loss of a cherished resident, Donna Marie Marcus Christy, who peacefully passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the age of 90. Surrounded by the love of her family at Concordia at Cabot, Donna left behind a legacy that can best be summed up in a single word: love.

Born on May 5, 1935, in East Butler to the late George Marcus and Cleola Osche Marcus, Donna grew up with strong family values that defined her life. She dedicated her career to caring for others, working as a caregiver at Pine Haven Personal Care Home, where her kindness and compassion touched countless lives.

Faith played a central role in Donna’s life. As an active member of East Butler Presbyterian Church, she gave generously of her time and energy, helping with decorating, children’s activities, church dinners, and cleaning. More importantly, she gave warmth and encouragement to everyone she encountered, often greeting people with her signature hugs.

Family, however, was Donna’s greatest source of joy. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Ralph L. “Butch” Christy, Sr., to whom she was married for many years until his passing in 1999. Together, they built a loving home filled with laughter, memories, and devotion. Donna embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, raising five children with unwavering strength and patience, including one child who was terminally ill. She was the heart of her family — a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose presence brought comfort and joy to every gathering.

Her love extended to her hobbies and friendships. Donna enjoyed playing cards, completing jigsaw puzzles, coloring, and spending time on the porch sharing stories and laughter with her family and friends. She was known for her generosity — always willing to lend a helping hand, share her time, or even reach into her purse to provide for those in need.

Donna is survived by her son, Ralph Christy, Jr., of East Butler; three daughters, Diane Stephenson (Jim) of Slippery Rock, Tammy Neil (Charlie) of Herman, and Cathy Shields (Dave) of East Butler; one sister-in-law, Leetta Christy; four grandchildren, Kelly (Clay) Rozic, Jodee (Dan) Raybuck, Christy Shields (Justin Seltzer), and Christian (Anna Bodamer) Shields; three great-grandchildren, Justice (Rebecca) Rozic, Wyatt Rozic, and Ethan Byers; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will carry her memory forward.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Butch Christy, Sr.; her son, David Christy; two sisters, Dolores “Dee” Bacher and Joanne Marcus; one brother, Richard Marcus; and a brother-in-law, Clarence Bacher.

Friends and loved ones will be received on Friday, August 22, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home South Side, 429 Center Ave., Butler. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, August 23, at 11 a.m. at East Butler Presbyterian Church, 900 Randolph Ave., East Butler, with Rev. Dr. Jean Henderson officiating. Burial will take place at North Butler Presbyterian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to East Butler Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 233, East Butler, PA 16029 — a place where Donna’s spirit of giving and faith shone so brightly.

As family and friends gather to remember her, they hold on to her simple but profound message: love is not what you say; love is what you do. Donna Christy lived this truth every day of her life, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, selflessness, and unwavering devotion.