Donna R. Dunkle

Donna R. Dunkle, 89, of Franklin, passed away on the morning of Monday, July 22, 2024 at Oil City Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center. 

She was born to the late Jay I. and Edith N. Hoovler Range on July 9, 1935 in Forest County. She was one of seven children. 

Donna graduated from Cranberry Area High School in 1953. Following high school she worked ten years at Brody's Clothing Store in Oil City. In 1963, Donna began her career in the Trust Department at First Seneca Bank. She retired as Trust Officer from National City after 26 years and, through mergers, started working at First National Bank. After a total of 31 years in the industry, Donna retired as Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer from First National Bank on January 31, 1994. 

Donna was a faithful Christian woman and a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin.

She was married to her late husband, Norman C. Dunkle, on October 28, 1988 in Franklin. He preceded her in death on April 1, 2021. For many years, they enjoyed shooting trap and big game hunting together as some of their hobbies. 

Donna was a woman of aviation, flying her privately owned airplane for over 20 years. She had her Instrument Rating, allowing her to fly in challenging weather conditions, and had training as a helicopter pilot. 

She was affiliated with the Venango County Coon & Fox Club, the National Rifle Association, and was a Life Member of the Harrisville Deer Hunters Association. 

Surviving Donna are her nieces; Lois Bingman of Franklin, Connie Ray of Virginia Beach, VA, Debbi Holterback of Howard, CO, and Dottie Lander of Tionesta. 

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by six siblings; Frank Range, Susie Henton, Ethel Hunt Lookabaugh, Dorothy Schmidt, Ruth Bingman, and Charles Range. Additionally deceased are three nephews; Carl Bingman, Scott Hunt, and Douglas Range.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin where family and friends are welcome from 2:00 - 4:00 PM on Thursday. 

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM Thursday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Sam Wagner officiating.

Donna will be laid to rest with her family at Riverside Cemetery in Tionesta. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffGuthrie.com.