Donna Louise Craig

Donna Louise Barney Craig, 81, a lifelong Berlin Center resident, went

home to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully in her own home on Oct. 13, 2023.

Donna was born on December 22, 1941. She was the daughter of Nadine and Emory Barney.

She fell in love and married her high school sweetheart, Joe Craig, at just 17 years old. They

were band mates: he played the tuba and she was a majorette. They graduated from Berlin

High School (Western Reserve Local School) in June, 1959. They married and created a

beautiful life and home the following December. Sixty four years of love and life filled their

home. Raising a family on the farm was her passion as she gardened, cooked, and baked many

wedding cakes, cookies, and kolachi. She passionately served in many capacities in her

church, Berlin Center United Methodist Church.

Donna sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and served with

United Methodist Women. She served in the kitchen for every event held in the church building.

Turkey Dinner fundraisers and soup sharing were some of the outstanding occasions for sharing

food for all who knew and loved her. She was always eager to share a recipe and a meal. The

family’s beautiful home was often a gathering place for teens and youth with a pond full of

splashing and fun, with a fire roaring nearby, and with hot dogs and s’mores ready to be

consumed. 4 - H and sporting events were always on her calendar, never missing the

opportunity to attend .

The greatest lights of Donna’s life were her grandchildren. She loved watching them participate

in sporting events and they brought her such pride. Ryan (Haley) Marshburn, Shannon

Marshburn, Mitchell Craig, Maxwell Craig, and Rob Lozier.

Donna enjoyed playing cards with friends and had an extensive group of dear loved ones she

would entertain regularly. She will be so very sadly missed by her husband Joe, daughter Renee

(Jerry) Marshburn of Columbiana, and son Brian (Marci) of Berlin Center, her brother Bob

(Wendy) Barney of Berlin Center, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Donna’s heart was shared through a great meal or a special hand sewn doll or outfit.

She was preceded in death by her sister Pat Markota. The Craig family would like to thank the staff at Akeso Hospice for their compassionate care at Donna's time of need. 

The family will receive guests and visitors from 10am-11am at Berlin Center United Methodist Church one hour prior to the funeral service at 11am. Memorial contributions can be made to the church as well. Berlin Center United Methodist Church, 15611 West Akron Canfield Rd., Berlin Center, OH.