Donna Jean (Chapman) Ernsberger

August 19, 1941 ~ May 4, 2024 82 Years Old

Donna Jean Ernsberger, a lifelong resident of South Bend, Indiana, passed away at 10:05 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 19, 1941, she was the eldest daughter of Violet Eva (Klingerman) and Carroll Wesley “Dub” Chapman’s five children.

Donna's strong work ethic began early. At age 13, she began working at Chapman's Supermarket, owned by her parents, on S. Michigan Street. After graduating from Riley High School in 1959, she married Lloyd “Bud” Ernsberger on November 11, 1961. Together, they raised two children, Traci Lynn Yarkie (Gene) and Todd Alan Ernsberger. They enjoyed spending time with their close group of friends with whom they traveled and camped, throughout the years.

Donna was a devoted mom, grandma, and great-grandma. She actively participated in her children's activities, even coaching little league during their younger years. She rarely ever missed her children’s, then grandchild's sporting events or school activities. Her presence a constant source of support for Kyle Yarkie (Brittany), Kara Jean Olvaney (Brennan), Chad Yarkie (Megan), Emma Manis and Ryan Gadacz. She traveled wherever her cheering was needed, spending many weekends out of town to ring a cowbell at hockey games or watch dance competitions. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren, Jack Olvaney, Callahan Yarkie, James Yarkie, and Lucas Yarkie, with another baby Olvaney on the way.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Violet and Dub Chapman, and brother, Jerry Chapman. She is survived by her husband, Bud; her children, Traci and Todd; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Carol Weber, Linda McKee, and Dick Chapman, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Donna Jean will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family and her kind, gentle nature. Donna Jean’s family would like to thank the staff, nurses and volunteers from the Center for Hospice for their compassionate care, including Lori, Shay and Peggy and Chaplain Trevor.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend.  Pastor James Clark will officiate.  Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.  Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Donna Jean Ernsberger may be donated to Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637 or to Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN  46545.  Online condolences may be offered to the Ernsberger family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

5/07/2024 djb

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Donna-Ernsberger