Cover for Donna Gail Arnold's Obituary

Donna Gail Arnold

October 15, 1947 — February 19, 2026

Kettering, OH

Donna Gail Arnold, a beloved mother, grandmother, and dedicated caregiver, passed away on February 19, 2026, in Centerville, Ohio, at the age of 78. Born on October 15, 1947, in West Liberty, Kentucky, Donna's journey through life was marked by an unwavering spirit and an abundance of love that she generously shared with those around her.

With her maiden name being Gross, Donna moved with her parents and siblings from Kentucky to Ohio as a teenager. She graduated from Dayton Stiver School for the Arts and began working and caring for her ailing mother. Her profound faith played a central role in her life, as she actively participated in her church and community activities. Her other interests and hobbies included reading her Bible, solving Wheel of Fortune and sudoku puzzles, tending to her garden and caring for her yard—activities that contributed to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of her home, where all were invited and loved. She loved to play games, although she had a sneaky tendency to cheat!

For over two decades, Donna opened her heart and her home to foster children, caring for an estimated 40 young lives, shaping them with her love and guidance. She especially cherished her time with Zachary for nearly 17 years. In addition to fostering, she devoted herself to her family, serving as a caregiver for all of her grandchildren and countless children she babysat over the years. Her grandkids recall cherished memories filled with hot dog and popcorn lunches, afternoons spent at local libraries for story time, the Boonshoft Museum and Cox Arboretum where they explored nature and searched for turtles. Donna was a steadfast presence at their school events and athletic activities, knowing each of their friends by name and cheering them on with infectious enthusiasm. Among her proudest accomplishments were her roles as a mother and grandmother, where her loving spirit shone brightest. She was never shy about expressing her joy and pride in her family, particularly in the accomplishments of her grandchildren: Pasquale, Milena, Olivia, Lucia, Celia, Julia, and Mia.

She leaves behind her loving family, including her daughters Gina (Tony) Cristiano and Leslie (Jason) Christofano; her son Nathan (Becca) Arnold; her grandchildren Pasquale, Milena, Olivia, Lucia, Celia, Julia, and Mia. She also leaves behind two remaining brothers, David and Barry Gross and numerous cherished nieces and nephews. Donna is now reunited in memory with her husband Stanley Arnold, her former spouse Paul Stamper, and her beloved granddaughter, Isabella. She is preceded in death by her mother, Lois Gross, her brothers Loren and Roger Gross, and sister Marita Ann.

As we remember Donna G. Arnold, we celebrate a life well-lived, marked by her strength, resiliency, generosity, strong faith, and unconditional love. She leaves us with beautiful memories and lessons that will continue to resonate throughout her family's lives for generations to come.

Visitation will be held from 4-6pm with memorial service to begin at 6:00pm on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Kettering, 3939 Swigart Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45440.

www.RogersFuneralHomes.com

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Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

4:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

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First Baptist Church of Kettering

3939 Swigart Road, Beavercreek, OH 45440

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Memorial Service

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Starts at 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

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First Baptist Church of Kettering

3939 Swigart Road, Beavercreek, OH 45440

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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