Madalyn "Butch" M. Donaldson's Obituary
Madalyn "Butch" Donaldson Obituary
Madalyn "Butch" M. (Verhoff) Donaldson, 85, went home to be with the Lord and her loving husband on September 16, 2024. She was born on April 1, 1939, to George and Charlotte (Kissell) Verhoff, both of whom preceded her in death.
On May 10, 1958, she married her high school sweetheart, George, and together, they built a beautiful, loving life that spanned 61 wonderful years—though anyone who knew them could tell you they kept each other on their toes! Their home was always filled with love, laughter, and the kind of good-natured teasing that only comes from a lifetime spent with your best friend.
Butch, as she was affectionately known, is survived by her four children: Toby (Debra) Donaldson, Tracy (Leo) Cox, Tonda (Jeff Weaver) Donaldson, and Tiffany (Doug) Alt. She was the proud grandmother of eight: Ashley Woolum, Brooke (Mike) Young, Ryan (Emily) Donaldson, Heather (Jason) Blanton, Ted Cox, Tess Cox, Dakota Alt, and Duece Alt. Additionally, she cherished her title of great-grandmother to Brea, Hunter, Jocelyn, Addison, Olivia, James, Jace, Nora, and Emmi. Butch was the heart of her family, always ready with a quick wit or a piece of advice—whether you asked for it or not!
Also surviving are two brothers Dick (Jackie) Verhoff and George (Johneene) Verhoff Jr. She is preceded in death by four brothers, Bob, Ted, Joe, and Jim Verhoff; as well as her sister Judy Steele.
Butch was well known throughout the Putnam County community for her remarkable talent as a seamstress. Sewing wasn’t just a hobby, it was a passion—and boy, was she good at it. Brides and prom-goers traveled near and far for her alterations, and she devoted countless hours to sewing uniforms for the Columbus Grove High School Marching Band and Color Guard. Her granddaughters were especially fond of her skills, always coming to her with their wild sewing ideas—and she happily obliged. In fact, she even taught a few of them how to sew! But be warned, if you stopped by for a fitting, you’d better have at least a half hour, because Butch always had plenty of the town gossip to share—she was never one to pass up a good chat!
In their spare time, Butch and George loved to travel to Holmes County, where they enjoyed the peaceful simplicity of Amish Country—perhaps with a glass of chocolate wine in hand. She also treasured time spent with family and friends, especially during lively card games, where things could get just a little competitive. And on any given game day, Cleveland teams—the Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers—were sure to be playing on Butch and George’s TV. Win or lose, they cheered with all their hearts for their beloved teams.
Butch spent many years driving a school bus for Columbus Grove Schools, becoming a familiar and friendly face to many. Later in life, she continued her service to the community by driving for the Putnam County Council of Aging, always ready with a kind smile.
A devoted Catholic, Butch’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She used her sewing talents to help with anything the church might need, from crafting altar cloths to repairing vestments. She and George became close friends with Father John Stites, sharing many fond memories with him over the years.
Services will begin at 11 AM, Monday, September 23, 2024, at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove. Father Tony Vera will officiate with burial to follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Columbus Grove.
Friends may call from 12-4 PM, Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbus Grove Marching Band.
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