Donna O'Neal

Gwendolyn A. “Donna” O’Neal, age 90 years, a resident of Ozark, Illinois, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, July 5, 2026, at 3:40 A.M. at her home. Donna, as she was known to family and friends, was born December 22, 1935 in Vienna, Illinois. She was the daughter of Donald Freeman Neill and Ruby C. (Richardson) Neill. On January 16, 1954, Donna was united in marriage to Donald Frank O’Neal at the Vienna First Baptist Church parsonage. Together, Don and Donna shared over 66 years of marriage, prior to his passing on March 30, 2020. Donna is survived by: her children – Danny (Beth) O’Neal of Douglas, Wyoming, Patty (Fred) Klutts of Paducah, Kentucky, and Dondi (Rhonda) O’Neal of Ozark, Illinois; 11 grandchildren – Luke (Kim Watkins) O’Neal of Harrisburg, Illinois, Jake (Laura) O’Neal of Carrier Mills, Illinois, Aaron (Chelsea) O’Neal of Douglas, Wyoming, Caleb (Ashley) O’Neal of Douglas, Wyoming, Hannah (Steve Baletsa) O’Neal of Sommerville, Massachusetts; Naomi (Clyde) Hewitt of Fairbanks, Alaska, Eric (Kayla) Klutts of Harvest, Alabama, Betsy Klutts of Paducah, Kentucky, Andy O’Neal of Ozark, Illinois, Joey (Nicole) O’Neal of Belknap, Illinois, Tommy (Jalyn Shoemaker) O’Neal of Belknap, Illinois; 21 great grandchildren – Amaia, Gabriel, Levi, Jonah, Duncan, Skyler, Hudson, Regan, Brooklyn, Aubrey, Gracie, Jessa, Guinevere, Daniel, Bellamy, Vivian, Adley, Henry, Hailey, Alexa, and Wyatt; a great-great granddaughter – Sienna; a sister – Rose Kennedy of Carrier Mills, Illinois; sisters-in-law – Glenna Holden of Canton, Michigan and Lila Thompson of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Donna was preceded in death by her stepfather – Lee Woodworth; 2 sisters - Kay Lara and Joyce Woodworth; and a brother – Royce Woodworth. Donna was a devoted farm wife and homemaker. She enjoyed gardening and raising flowers. Donna was a former member of the Johnson County Homemaker’s Extension. Being a member of one of Johnson County’s pioneer families, Donna had a lifelong interest in local history. She and Don had both been members of the Johnson County Historical and Genealogical society. She also had served for many years as an election judge in the Ozark precinct. Donna was a faithful member of the Ozark Baptist Church, where she was a longtime Sunday School teacher. A graveside service honoring the life of Donna O’Neal will be held Saturday morning, July 18, 2026, at 11 A.M. at Wise-Robinson Cemetery, north of Ozark. Pastor David Michael Webb will officiate. Interment will follow. Those attending the graveside service are invited to gather at the cemetery at 10:45 A.M. Saturday, July 18, 2026. While limited seating will be available, those who wish are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Memorials may be made to the Ozark Baptist Church, 632 Ozark Road, Ozark, Illinois 62972 or to the Wise-Robinson Cemetery, 1255 Ozark Road, Ozark, Illinois 62972.

Donna O'Neal

December 22, 1935 - July 5, 2026