Donna Marie Bacic, age 80, left this world to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning, July 24, 2024, at Crestline Nursing Facility.

Donna was born on February 29, 1944, at MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa, FL to Delmes and Rose (May) Tackett, but spent her early years growing up in Salyersville, KY. Later in her childhood, Donna and her family moved to Shelby, OH, where she graduated from Shelby High School in the class of 1962.

Following high school, Donna worked as a secretary for the Autocall Company. She also worked as a secretary at the MSC Renewal Center in Shelby, a retreat center operated by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. In addition to her secretarial duties, Donna eventually began helping give retreats and was later appointed the center’s assistant director. In 1985 Donna and her husband, Bob, made the decision to move to Shawnee Mission, KS. Soon afterward she enrolled at the University of Kansas earning her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from KU’s School of Social Welfare. Donna worked as a clinical social worker in private practice until she retired at the end of 2018. Donna was passionate about her work as a therapist, honoring each client’s experiences, challenges, and strengths. In 2022 they moved to Ontario, OH to be closer to their family.

Donna’s faith inspired every aspect of her life. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Overland Park, KS and Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Shelby, OH. She particularly loved a saying attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words”. Donna confidently and quietly lived out her faith while cherishing each person’s own spiritual path.

Donna was an avid reader. She always had a novel with her no matter where she was. Friends regularly asked her for reading recommendations. She loved movies and live theater and travel.

Friday dinner dates with her husband, Bob, usually included a movie or a local theater production. Together they got to travel throughout the United States and visit several European countries. The trip they took to Italy and Croatia was one of her favorites. She enjoyed showing off Kansas City to family and friends who came to visit. She looked forward to October family trips to the Lake of the Ozarks and visits by her granddaughters at the end of each school year. Donna loved discovering a good sale, which was always made better when shopping with good friends.

Donna is survived by her husband, Robert (m. November 26, 1983), who was the love of her life; children: Lisa Abrams of Ontario, OH and Lane Shetler of Galion, OH; grandchildren, Joelle (David) Cunningham of Mansfield, OH; Anna Abrams of Ontario, OH; Carrie (Sevan) Ozcan of Dublin, OH; Cassie (Kyle) Kitts of Ashland, OH; Dalton (Madison) Shetler of Holt, MI; great-grandchildren, David, Lincoln, and Gabriel Cunningham, and Ava Ozcan.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Tackett, who passed away in 2024, and her infant sister, Linda Tackett. Donna’s tender heart and warm smile will be missed by many.

Friends may visit at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby from 5:00PM to 6:30PM on Thursday, August 1, 2024. A brief prayer and remembrance will begin at 6:30PM. The Funeral Liturgy will be held the following day, Friday, August 2, 2024, at 11:00AM, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby with Father Christopher Mileski as the celebrant. Later, at a date to be determined, a memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Overland Park, KS, and burial at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the School of Social Welfare, the University of Kansas, Twente Hall, 1545 Lilac Lane, Lawrence, KS 66045; Marvin Memorial Library, 29 W Whitney Ave, Shelby, OH 44875; Saint Teresa of Calcutta Women’s Circle, Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W 93rd St, Overland Park, KS 66212; or the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Bacic family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com

Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory

Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com