Donna Leone (Moran) Ross Horton

Donna Leone (Moran) Ross Horton, 93, a lifelong Battle Creek resident, died at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital after a brief illness, with her family at her side, on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

Donna was born April 9, 1933, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of James Robert and Sarah Leona (Thayer) Moran. She grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1951 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Donna earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music arts from Western Michigan University and was employed as an elementary school music teacher for Battle Creek Public Schools for 25 years.

Donna was preceded in death by her second husband of 15 years, Gerald L. Horton, on March 1, 2002. Surviving are her children, Kelly Ross of Lavonia, GA, John (Rori) Ross of Battle Creek, James (Ashley) Ross of Madison, AL; stepchildren, Jim (Kate) Horton of Carmel, IN, Steve (Rhonda) Horton of Battle Creek, Nancy Esterline of Portage, MI ; grandchildren, Zachary Gallup, Ryan Gallup, Jacob Gallup, Kaylee Ross, Sydney Ross, Lillian Ross, Jack Ross and Amelia Ross and one great-granddaughter Elizabeth Dawn Gallup, her sister, Beverly Pazder of Lady Lake, FL; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and their families. In addition to her husband, Jerry, Donna was preceded in death by her parents; and daughter, Dawn (Ross) Gallup.

Donna loved restoring and selling antiques. She operated numerous antique booths throughout southwest Michigan. She was very creative and enjoyed music and played with the Battle Creek Symphony for many years. She enjoyed traveling the world in her retirement. She was an avid reader and will be remembered as always being up for a road trip or adventure. She loved her family and especially her grand(dogs) who she spoiled any chance she got.

Donna spent her final years at Heritage Assisted Living, in Battle Creek, where she loved the staff and had many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday November 27, 2026, at Battle Creek Country Club. Donna will be laid to rest next to her parents at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.