Donna Marie Edwards-Armstrong

Donna Marie Edwards-Armstrong, 88, of Morristown passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 31, 2024, surrounded by her children and family. She was born November 5, 1936, in Indianapolis to William and Alta “Delores” (Appleget) Edwards. Donna grew up on a farm in Fishers and graduated from Fishers High School in 1954. The summer prior to her High School graduation she met her first husband and father of her children, Dr. Robert (Bob) Honnold at the Hamilton County 4-H Fair. Donna would marry Bob following her high school graduation and provide him with patient and unwavering support as he built his academic and professional career. As their family and Bob’s career grew, they moved often, living in several Indiana communities, North Carolina, Virginia (Washington, DC), and Vermont. While raising her family, Donna was an active volunteer in the Girl Scouts and taught in several Sunday School programs and worked as a medical record technician in various locations. During her time in Vermont, Donna would learn to cross-country ski and hone her lifelong passion for hiking and walking in nature. She was proud to add Mount Mansfield in Vermont and Mount Washington in New Hampshire to her hiking conquests. With the vicissitudes of life, Donna would eventually find herself back in Indiana living in the Fort Wayne and Indianapolis communities. While there she remained active in various church activities, was a member of the Eastern Star Fishers Chapter # 446, Fishers High School Alumni Association, and worked for Indiana Electric and State Farm Insurance agent, Peter Marshall. In the early 1990s, Donna would move to Colorado Springs, Colorado to join and share in the life of her daughter Darla. While in Colorado, Donna met and married her anam cara (“soul friend”), Frank Armstrong, a proud Air Force veteran. They enjoyed a deeply loving partnership for over 25 years, defined by mutual love and devotion. Together they marked their “golden years” with countless adventures and activities to include RV-ing, all kinds of dancing, especially polka and square dancing, playing darts, singing in various church choirs, celebrating the Christmas holiday in the Rocky Mountains, and world travel. They particularly enjoyed their travels through Europe and celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany. Frank and Donna lived for fourteen years on the U.S. Air Force Academy where Donna participated in the hiking club, Women’s Auxiliary of the US. Air Force Academy, and the retired enlisted association (TREA). Throughout her life, Donna was a committed Christian and gifted in her capacity for forgiveness and ability to demonstrate kindness, and patience. She never met a stranger and loved deep conversation. Donna will be remembered for her quiet elegance, gentle spirit, and the unconditional love she showed her children, family, and friends. Donna was devoted to a strong prayer life and her children are especially appreciative of this. She would often quote Psalm 23:5 “…my cup runneth over.” when reflecting on the blessings of her life. Donna’s faith and memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. Donna leaves to cherish her memory four children: Debra (Ron) Rausch, Denise Phares, Darla Honnold, and Cary (Shelley) Honnold; a stepson Michael (Diane) Armstrong; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; brother, Frank Edwards, and cherished nieces and nephews from the Edwards, Rayle, and Armstrong families. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Frank Armstrong, father of her children, Dr. Robert Honnold, beloved grandson Robert “Jake” Minnich, and son-in-law, Jeffrey Phares. A Memorial Service will be held at 12 PM Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Mohawk United Methodist Church (UMC), 2045 W 400 N Greenfield, Indiana with Pastor Charles Pelc officiating. Burial will follow in Gravel Lawn Cemetery, 9088 W 1025 S, Fortville, Indiana. Friends may call from 11:00 to 11:50 AM, Saturday preceding the service at the Mohawk UMC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to the Hancock Health Foundation: Memo: HOSPICE, 801 N. State St. Greenfield, IN 46140 or the Mohawk United Methodist Church, 2045 W. 400 N. Greenfield, IN 46140. Donna’s children and family would like to thank the Hancock Health Foundation Hospice and Suburban Hospice for their compassionate, gentle, and loving care of Donna. Arrangements are entrusted to Erlewein Mortuary in Greenfield. Friends may share a memory of Donna or send condolences to her family online at www.erleweinmortuary.com. Florists please deliver floral arrangements to Erlewein Mortuary by 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025.

Donna Marie Edwards-Armstrong

November 5, 1936 - December 31, 2024