Donna Louise Merck, age 85, formerly of Hernando, Florida died at Palm Garden of Orlando on October 2, 2025. Born in Orlando, she was the daughter of Melvin Burr Knowlton and Thelma Louise (Hancock) Knowlton. Donna had been back living in Florida since 2012 having relocated from Scottsboro, Alabama.
She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a great grandmother.
She was a water skier, a fisherman, an artist, a musician, an equestrian, a needleworker, and a crossword puzzle master.
She was a homemaker, a fish camp entrepreneur with her husband, a long-tenured LPN, and a caregiver to her mother and stepfather.
Most of all, SHE was Donna Merck.
In addition to her parents and stepfather, Glenn N. Hibler, Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley L. Merck, Sr., brother Bruce Christopher Knowlton, and her grandson, Trevor Merck. She is survived by her sisters Diana Jane Thomas (Max), Karen Deanna Skelton (Greg), brothers Calvin Burr Knowlton (Lois), Melvin Brent Knowlton (Donna), children, daughter Lisa G. Smith (Shawn) of Orlando, son Stanley “Skip” L. Merck, Jr. (Lisa) of Scottsboro, Alabama, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Donna will be laid to rest with Stanley on December 30th, 2:00 p.m. at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.
The family would like to recognize and thank all of the kind and caring people at Gentry Park Assisted Living, and at Palm Garden of Orlando, for helping and caring for her.
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To Lisa, Skip, and family, I am sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a special, loving woman. Many fond memories of her, Stan, and family in Belle Isle FL back in the 70’s. Love and prayers for the family.
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