Donna Michele Hart

A memorial gathering and reception to celebrate the remarkable life of Donna Michele Hart. A life lived with passion, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to those she held dear will be held 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Lake D’Arbonne State Park meeting room 3628 Evergreen Rd. Farmerville, LA. 71241.

Donna was born on May 25, 1954, and she passed from this life, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family, on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71.

In those 71 years, Donna crafted a beautiful story, one uniquely her own, and one that touched so many of our lives.

She was a woman of vibrant spirit and many wonderful facets. Though she may have started as a city girl, it wasn't long before the tranquility of the countryside, and particularly the lure of the water, captured her heart. She truly became a country girl, finding immense joy in fishing and spending cherished time on the serene waters of Lake D’Arbonne. There, amidst the quiet beauty, she found peace and a connection to the world around her.

But perhaps her most dazzling passion was found under the bright lights of Las Vegas, where she spent five exhilarating years as a card dealer. Imagine Donna, with her quick wit, bright smile, and engaging personality, commanding the table, sharing a laugh, and making everyone feel welcome. It was a role she truly embraced and excelled at, bringing her unique spark to the excitement of the casino floor.

Beyond the excitement of the casino, Donna found quiet pleasure in simpler things. She loved to read, immersing herself in stories and knowledge, and she poured her love into her cooking, creating delicious meals that brought her beloved children around the table, nourishing their bodies and souls. Her faith was also a cornerstone of her life, and she was a devoted member of the Methodist church in Junction City, finding strength and community within its walls.

While Donna had many interests and talents, the absolute center of her world, the wellspring of her deepest joy, was her family. She shared a deep and loving bond with her wife, Deborah Goocher, a partnership filled with devotion, companionship, and unwavering support.

She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Clint Farrar and his wife Kari, of Dubach, LA, and Brandon Michael LaRoe and his wife Teri. Her daughter, Shaleigh Nicole Lampkin, and her husband Brad, also held a very special place in her heart. And we cannot forget her youngest, her baby boy, Joshua Casey Hart, of Ruston, LA, who brought her so much pride.

Donna's legacy extends beautifully through her twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who were undoubtedly a source of immense pride, endless delight, and boisterous joy in her life.

She is also lovingly remembered by her three sisters: Sharon Punjabi, Susan Douglas, and Tammy Jerry, as well as her seven nephews and two nieces, all of whom shared in the tapestry of her life.

And of course, no mention of Donna's family would be complete without acknowledging our precious fur babies who run the house, Emme and Gracie, who brought her endless comfort, companionship, and unconditional love.

As much as we grieve her loss today, there is also comfort in knowing that Donna has been reunited with loved ones who went before her. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Mike LaRoe, with whom she shared a significant chapter of her life. She also joins her dear mother, Nelle Ruth Templeton, her father, Robert Othelle, and her brother, David Michael Austin. We can imagine the joyful reunion that must be taking place now, a testament to the eternal bonds of love.

Donna Michele Hart lived a life full of passion, laughter, warmth, and unwavering love. She taught us the joy of a good fishing trip, the thrill of a winning hand, the comfort of a home-cooked meal, and the quiet strength of faith. Her spirit will live on in the memories we cherish, in the stories we share, and in the profound love she so generously bestowed upon each of us.

May we find solace in knowing she is at peace, and may her beautiful memory continue to be a blessing and an inspiration for us all.