COLUMBUS, INDIANA
Donna Kay Rigsby-Wright passed away peacefully in the arms of her family and her Guardian Angel on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Belmont Heath, and Rehabilitation Center at 6:28 p.m. in Columbus, Indiana.
Donna was born to Calvin James Rigsby and his beloved wife, Alice Arnell Rigsby, on November 9, 1941, in Crothersville, Indiana. In their home filled with the love of God and neighbor, Donna joined her older brothers Billy Wayne Rigsby, and Robert Cecil Rigsby, and a sister, Wanda Lee Rigsby. Four years later, their family would be added to again with the birth of her baby brother, James Garvey Rigsby. Donna’s golden-brown features earned her the nickname “Brown Eyes” by her parents. Surrounded by a large extended family comprised of grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles to whom their belief in God and His Redemption were central to their lives, Donna was loved and taught how to show love in return to others through everyday life.
As Donna grew, she became active in Crothersville School activities, playing the drums and joining the cheerleading squad during high school, advancing to head cheerleader by her senior year. A natural beauty, her school nickname became “Rose”. In 1959, she was crowned Home Coming Queen, and the captain of the basketball team, Wayne Wright, was named Home Coming King. Donna graduated from Crothersville High School in May 1959.
In 1960, Donna married her Home Coming King on May 15. They were married for 26 1/2 years, living on the historic farm they ran together on Legal Tender Road, Columbus Indiana. They welcomed two daughters to their union, Leigh Yvette Wright, and Shaundra Alice Wright, both of whom share their mother’s countenance. Donna was a devoted mother and supporter of her daughter’s activities, serving as a Basketball Coach when needed for Rockcreek Elementary School. And, she co-managed the farm, becoming equally skilled at predicting Corn Futures as well as planning crop rotations.
Donna was also a ground-breaker. On May 20, 1959, Donna joined the Cummins Engine Company as a second-generation employee, following in the footsteps of both her father and her mother, the latter of whom was in the first group of 4 women hired to work permanently on the assembly line. Agreeing with the need for progress among the office staff at Cummins, she helped in the founding of the Office Committee Union (OCU), which became nationally recognized in 1969. On May 31, 2004, she retired after 45 years of service at Cummins. Additionally, Donna recognized the opportunity to leverage her landholdings; in 1993 she developed 36 acres, creating the “Oakwood III RW Estates” addition on Legal Tender Road.
After full retirement, Donna most enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her daughters Yvette and Shaundra, and the families that they developed. Yvette’s sons, Gryfen and Alec, and Shaundra’s daughters, Korryn, and Makayla, were the apples of their mamaw’s eyes.
In a serendipitous reunion at their 50th class gathering, Dale Holzworth and Donna, two souls weathered by time, discovered an adventurous and youthful love for each other. With hearts warmed by this new friendship, they embarked on a journey that would define their twilight years. Dale proposed, mom accepted, and together, they traveled the world, embracing new cultures, and cherishing each other’s company. But it was in the simplicity of their kitchen, amidst the aroma of Dale’s home-cooked meals, that they found solace and joy. With every opportunity, they would sway and twirl, their laughter filling the room, as they danced to the rhythm of their love, forever grateful for the chance to be together again. Sadly, Dale passed away in December of 2022.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, James and Arnell Rigsby, her brothers Bill, Bob, and Jim, and her lifelong best friend, her big sister Wanda, and her fiancé, Dale Holzworth.
She is survived by her daughters, Yvette Wright of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Shaundra (Brad) Sanders of Columbus Indiana; grandsons Gryfen Brinson of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Alec Rhodes of Scottsdale, Arizona and granddaughters Korryn Knulf and Makayla Knulf of Columbus Indiana; as well as by 13 nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, Columbus Indiana. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the funeral Home with Pastor Al White officiating. Donna will be laid to rest in Crothersville Cemetery.
You are invited to leave a condolence message to the family, light a virtual candle of remembrance, and view her video tribute online at www.jewellrittman.com.