Donna Kaye (Cupples) Montemayor

Wintersville, Ohio was not ready on August 22,1937 when Donna Kaye was born to Andrew and Maud Cupples. Social and involved in extracurriculars like basketball and marching band, Donna grew to be spirited, graceful, and determined. From early on, her love of caring for others showed strongly. Starting with animals, her generous nature led Donna to nursing school. And, in her senior year, her education put her in the path of the love of her life, Doctor Pedro B. Montemayor, Jr.

On November 5, 1960, Pedro and Donna were married in an intimate wedding and went on to build a life and home of which to be proud. Donna had always wanted to be a mother, and, together with her husband, they had and raised five children: Juliann, Bruce, Mark, Loralie, and Merideth. As a parent, Donna was actively involved in her family’s lives and extracurricular activities, attending all the games (celebratory cowbell in tow) and performances, leading Brownie Scouts, and teaching Sunday school.

Of course, the kids gave them a run for their money, but as they grew they each developed the charm and wit of their two parents. And they each went on to carry out Donna’s and Pedro’s beautiful legacy of love. As time passed, the pair became proud grandparents, going by the names “Nana” and “Papa.” As she had with her own children, Nana was a faithful, proud, and engaged part of her grandchildren’s sports, activities, and events.

Although her devotion to her family was unmatched, Donna was also an involved part of her community and a dedicated member of the Streetsboro United Methodist Church. Along with serving on various committees, she was a member of the United Methodist Women, was a lay speaker, and served as a lay member to the East Ohio Annual Conference.

Regardless of where her engagements took her, or what difficulties she faced, Donna always had time to tend to those around her: Whether it was whipping up a pot of her healing potato soup for an ailing loved one or taking in yet another animal in need or sending cards for each birthday, graduation, and anniversary for every one of her children and their spouses, her grandchildren and their spouses, her great-grandchildren, and her many nieces and nephews. It didn’t matter who walked into her path, Donna had love and time to spare.

The world was not ready to lose her on May 16th, 2022. Her family and community will be forever changed by the impact of her presence on earth. Donna Kaye Montemayor was a force to be reckoned with, one that will never be forgotten.

Donna’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those she loved, including: her husband of sixty-one years, Dr. Pedro B. Montemayor, Jr. of Kent, OH, their five children–Juliann Montemayor of Kent, OH, Bruce (Bridget) Montemayor of Clermont,  FL, Mark (Helaine) Montemayor of Clermont, FL, Loralie (Todd) Heim of Kent, OH, Merideth (Mark) Stauffer of Kent, OH; their seventeen grandchildren–Kyra Kelley, Colin Kelley, Trent Bontrager, Tanner Bontrager, Luke Bontrager, Brogan (Eva) Montemayor, Brandon Montemayor, Brenner Montemayor, Damon Hurt, Alese Hurt, Kiana (George) Lin, Covyn Montemayor, Andrew (Marissa) Jones, Zoe Heim, Dontae (Holly) Montemayor, Owen Stauffer, Avery Stauffer; seven great-grandchildren–Luca Jones, Carsyn Jones, Thea Jones, Brody Montemayor, Riley Montemayor, Abigale Lin, and Milo Kelley Buck, as well as many, many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held in Donna’s honor at 10:00am on August 20th, 2022 at the Streetsboro United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her name to be gifted to United Women in Faith, formerly the United Methodist Women Missions.

Donations can be made at: https://uwfaith.org/give/?form=missiongiving&designationId=EQBNXEVR