Donna Depew Pontius

     Donna Depew Pontius, 66, of Port Royal, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, after a year-long battle with cancer.

     Born March 7, 1959 in Lewistown, she was a daughter of the late Glenn L. and Millie (Snyder) Depew.

     She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Jeffrey D. Pontius, whom she married Sept. 12, 1981, two daughters, Beth Hanley and husband, Scott, and Melissa Gigliotti and husband, Dino, two grandchildren Liam Hanley and Lilah Hanley, a step-grandson, Aaron Gigliotti, one sister, Patty Willit and husband, Jeff, one brother, Jim Depew and wife, Kathleen, and six nieces and nephews, Brandon Willit, Laura Medina, Mark Willit, Claire Shaffer, Andrew Depew, and Elizabeth Slaughter.

     Donna graduated from Juniata High School in 1977 and got her LPN education at Lewistown Hospital. She earned her Associates Degree in Nursing from Mt. Aloysius College and worked as a Registered Nurse at Lewistown Hospital, the Dialysis Center, and Locust Grove Retirement Village. She retired from The Bridge: Hospice and Homecare.

     She was a member of Port Royal Lutheran Church and Turbett Grange. She grew up attending Pine Grove United Methodist Church.

     Donna was well known for her baking, especially her ever-famous whoopie pies, and she generously baked cakes for Meals on Wheels. She also found joy in sewing and cross stitching. She especially enjoyed hosting gatherings in the shop and spending time with her family and friends. Her greatest joy in life was being “Nanny” to her grandchildren.

     There will be a closed casket visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept.25 at Guss Funeral Home, Inc., 20 S. Third St., Mifflintown.

     Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26 at Port Royal Lutheran Church, 402 Market Street, Port Royal with the Rev. Allen Hulslander officiating. Interment will follow in Old Church Hill Cemetery, Port Royal.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Fire Company, 212 4th St., Port Royal, PA 17082 or to the Port Royal Lutheran Church, PO Box 267, Port Royal, PA 17082.

     Condolences may be left at www.gussfh.com.

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