Donna Lynn Dota 1946-2024

Donna was born July 29, 1946, in Youngstown, the daughter of Rudolph George Kogelnik and Anna Marie Sirovica.

Donna graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1964. After graduating high school, she briefly worked at the Westinghouse lamp plant in Youngstown.

On June 12, 1965, Donna married Ralph Angelo Dota at St. Dominic Church in Youngstown. She and Ralph lived on the Island of Guam, where Ralph was stationed in the U.S. Navy for six years. Donna and Ralph had two children, Gregory and Andrew. Upon Ralph’s discharge from the Navy, the family moved back to Youngstown until 1977.

In 1977, the family moved to Austin, Texas. After her boys finished school, Donna returned to work as a receptionist at KXANTV in Austin. She retired from LIN Media in 2003.

Ralph and Donna enjoyed life to the fullest for 46 years until his passing on April 11, 2012. She loved life on their retirement ranch in West Point, Texas, where wildflowers would bloom in the spring and she could enjoy abundant sunshine. She was an avid bird watcher and nature lover.

Donna was a genuine loving person always greeting people with a smile and sharing good things to say. Donna loved traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Remaining to cherish Donna’s memory are her two sons, Greg Dota, and wife, Carmen, and Andrew Dota, and wife, Melissa; her four beloved grandchildren, Rebecca Arrison, Patrick Dota, Austin Dota and Jake Dota; eight great-grandchildren, Haisley Arrison, Harlynn Arrison, Hunter Arrison, Luke Dota, Levi Dota, Lane Dota, Jack Dota and Everlee Dota; her brother, Rudy Kogelnik; and sister, Janice Snyder.

She was preceded in death by her parents; the love of her life, Ralph; and her younger sister, Betsy Albanese.

A private memorial service will be held in February.

(special notice)