Donna Ruth (Ryan) Barnes, age 65 of Millville passed away, Tuesday afternoon, July 8, 2025 at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland after a brief illness.
 
Born in Chicago, IL, she grew up in South Philadelphia, PA, and moved to Millville with her family in 1975.  Donna graduated from Millville High School in 1978, and soon married her high school sweetheart, Benjamin. Together they would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary at the end of this month.   Benjamin's career with the United States Air Force navigated her around the world, including North Carolina, Germany and Arizona, before returning home to Millville.  While living in Arizona she worked as a hairdresser for a few years.

Donna was a member of the Parish of All Saints in Millville, where she enjoyed volunteering her time to help others.  A few of her favorite pastimes were knitting, working with clay, painting, and doing arts and crafts.  She also adored animals, but most of all she cherished her time spent with her family.  Donna was a very loving and caring person.  She spread happiness to anyone she met, and joy to those who knew her. 
 
She will be sadly missed by her husband Benjamin Barnes; her mother Kathryn (Baker) Ryan; her siblings, Regina Messier, John Ryan, Joann Atwood, Jimmy Ryan and Mike Ryan; and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her father Jack Ryan.

Family and friends will be received from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025 in the Christy Funeral Home, 11 W. Broad Street, Millville.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the Parish of All Saints, Parish Hall, Dock Street, Millville.  Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Millville.

In memory of Donna and her love for animals, her family requests memorial contributions to the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter, 1244 N. Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360.

Memories of Donna Barnes and expressions of sympathy to her family may be shared on her tribute wall.

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