LUCAS: A devoted Christian, Donita McGugin Switzer lived out Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.” Donita was her family’s prayer warrior, faithfully bringing her needs before the Lord. Even during difficult seasons, she remained steadfast in hope and love. No longer bound by her earthly body, Donita K. McGugin Switzer, 84, of Lucas, passed into the arms of her Savior, Thursday, September 5, 2024.
The daughter of Paul and Esther (Doty) Hughes, Donita was born March 14, 1940 in Mansfield and graduated from Lucas High School. Donita continued her education and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Ashland University. She enjoyed a long and successful career in nursing, working for MedCentral Hospital in Mansfield for over 25 years. She also worked for Richland Pregnancy Services where she was instrumental in initiating the Ultrasound Program. She also volunteered for NAMI.
A loving mother and role model, much of Donita’s energy and focus was on raising her 5 children. She volunteered as a 4-H advisor and for many years was a bus driver for Lucas Schools.
She was a faithful member of Lucas Grace Bible Church. Over the years Donita served as deaconess and organized many of the meals for various church functions. Blessed with a caring and servant’s heart, she was a biblical counselor. She served as an Awana teacher. Donita set the example for her children and grandchildren in her daily walk with Christ. She was positive, selfless, and offered a calming presence and will be so missed.
She is survived by her children DeAnn (John) Scott, Dan McGugin (Anne), Jon McGugin, JoAnn (Mark) Blackburn, LynAnn (Tony) Spoerr; grandchildren Jamie, Dylan, Derryn, Jocie, Ben, Grant, Ethan, Paige, Zak, Rachel, Jeremy, Justin, Jameson, Dana, Dale, Greg and Grace; 23 great grandchildren; sisters Martha Denman, Bonnie (Clint) Root, Bettie Jo (Spencer) Stearns; sisters-in-law Joy Darling and Janet McGugin; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband James McGugin in 1988 second husband Robert Switzer in 2012; son-in-law Trent Blackburn and daughter-in-law Christina McGugin; brothers-in-law Gary Darling and Gary McGugin; nephew Todd Denman.
Her family will receive friends Monday, September 9, 2024 from 3-7 pm in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Tuesday September 10, from 11 am – 12 pm at Lucas Grace Bible Church, 67 West Main Street, Lucas, Ohio 44843, where Donita’s funeral will begin at 12 noon. Pastor Russell Enzor will officiate and burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Lucas.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Richland Pregnancy Services.
Condolences may be made by visiting:SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes