Donna J. Schneider

Donna J. Schneider, 83, of St. Anthony, passed away on September 30, 2026, at Scenic Hills at the Monastery in Ferdinand. Donna was born on December 19, 1942, to Emory and Mary Louise (Schaefer) Heidorn. She was united in marriage to Leo J. Schneider on April 12, 1969, at St. Mary’s Church in Huntingburg; Leo preceded her in death on July 9, 2018.

Donna was a member of St. Anthony Community Center, St. Anthony Church, St. Anthony American Legion Post 493 Auxiliary, Christian Mothers, and Huntingburg VFW Auxiliary. Donna had a special love for children. She began babysitting as a teenager, and as her own children grew, she found great joy in caring for her grandchildren. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who was always attentive to the needs of those she loved. Donna had a special gift for giving—she always seemed to know exactly what her children and grandchildren would enjoy, and she took great pleasure in choosing thoughtful gifts for each of them.

Donna and her husband, Leo J. Schneider, shared 49 years of marriage. Together, they were an example of sacrificial love, devotion, commitment, and having a servant’s heart. Donna treasured her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother and considered her family one of her greatest blessings. Donna, being a loving mother and grandmother, was a gentile and kindhearted soul, loving, patient, devoted, generous, resourceful, creative, and a nurturer who always loved to prepare home-cooked meals. 

Donna was also known for her wonderful cooking, but she was an even better baker. She was famous for her pumpkin pies, often baking five to nine pies for Thanksgiving, as well as dozens of different cookies for Christmas. She lovingly baked birthday cakes for her family and was often asked to make her delicious coffee cakes and cobblers for fundraisers throughout the St. Anthony community. She found joy in comforting and caring for others, often expressing her love through something she had lovingly baked. One of her favorite ways to show her brother Jim that she cared was by baking him chocolate chip cookies. Through her kindness, generosity, and many thoughtful acts of love, Donna brought comfort and joy to countless people and leaves behind many cherished memories.

Donna is survived by her 3 children: Melanie (Bill) Todd of Greenwood, Sandra Kay Gregson of Ferdinand, and Kyle (Paola) Schneider of Milpitas, CA; 4 grandchildren: Megan Todd, Michael Gregson, Lauren Todd, Bexley Schneider; brother Jim L. Heidorn of Huntingburg. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, 2 brothers: Roger Heidorn, Gary Heidorn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 9 at 10:00AM EST at Divine Mercy Parish, St. Anthony of Paduca Campus, St. Anthony, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday, October 8, from 4:00PM EST to 8:00PM EST at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand, and again on Friday, October 9, from 9:00AM EST until the time of services at St. Anthony Church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com.