Donna Marlene (Anderson) Fritz

Donna Marlene (Anderson) Fritz, age 90, of Freetown, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 29, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was a lifelong and faithful member of Freetown Church of Christ, where she devoted many years to teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was also a long-time member of the Loyal Daughters, participated in the church choir for many years, and faithfully served the church through the flower fund ministry. Donna deeply loved her church and her Savior with all her heart.

Mrs. Fritz graduated as valedictorian of her class from Freetown High School in 1953. After graduation, she began her career as a secretary in the Columbus office of Arvin Industries. In 1960, she was fortunate to become a stay-at-home mother. During that time, she also worked for 11 years as a Jackson County correspondent for The Columbus Republic newspaper. In 1979, Donna returned to the workforce at Cummins Engine Co., where she remained until retiring in 1999 as a diesel technician.

Russell and Donna then purchased Neal Paint and Wallpaper in Columbus, where he had been employed for 24 years. Upon their retirement in June of 1998, they continued their life together in Freetown. During their working years, Donna and Russell enjoyed traveling, including three trips to Mexico, two trips to Arizona, two cruises, and many annual visits to their condominium in Tennessee.

After retirement, they attended all home Indiana University basketball games and operated three businesses in downtown Freetown: a hardware store, an antique and ice cream shop, and a craft shop.
Donna was an active and devoted member of the National Federation of Press Women and Jackson County Christian Women Association.

Family was of utmost importance to Donna, and she cherished spending time with them, while faithfully supporting them in all their endeavors.

Born on July 25, 1935, in Freetown, Donna was the daughter of Charles William "Jack" and Hazel (Scott) Anderson, both of whom preceded her in death. On August 31, 1956, at Freetown Church of Christ, she married the love of her life, Russell Lee Fritz, and he survives in Freetown.

Survivors also include one daughter, Charlene Mellencamp of Freetown; three sons: Craig (Kathy) Fritz of Brownstown, Wayne (Sherri) Fritz of Freetown, and Eric (Laura) Fritz of Columbus; twelve grandchildren: Clay (Jessica) Fritz, Keri (Rob Anderson) Fritz, Kala (Matt) Housand, Amberly (Chris) Brewer, Amy (Ryan) Hehman, Adam (Lauren) Mellencamp, Mallory (Steve Kaman) Fritz, Darcey (Nick) Maples, Sydney Fritz, Kagney (Whitney) Fritz, Kogan Fritz, and Kelin (Kaley) Fritz; 28 great-grandchildren; one brother, Terry Anderson of Freetown; two sisters: Marilyn Ault of Spraytown and Elaine Francis of Honeytown; and brother-in-law, James Fritz of Bluffton, South Carolina.

Donna was also preceded in death by two brothers: Charles Samuel Anderson and Johnny Mack Anderson; and one sister, Dianne Gilliam.

Funeral services for Donna Marlene (Anderson) Fritz will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Freetown Church of Christ with Pastor Barry DeWitt officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Freetown Church of Christ, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2025, at Freetown Church of Christ.

Interment will follow at Freetown Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Freetown Church of Christ.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Online memories and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com