Donna Jean Koontz Hankins

Donna Jean Koontz Hankins, 72, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in Thorntown, Indiana. She was born in Indianapolis on July 4, 1953, to Joseph A. and Opal G. (Baugh) Koontz. In 1961 the family moved to Boone County, where Donna remained a lifelong resident.

She graduated from Thorntown High School in 1971 and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Donna was active in her community through several organizations, including the Thorntown Xi Alpha Sorority, the WKP (Wives of K of P), and the Boone County Leadership Program. She also served faithfully on the Thorntown Public Library board for ten years.

Donna was a long-time member of the Thorntown Christian Church, where she taught Sunday school and led a youth group. Her professional life was devoted to helping others—she worked for the Boone County Probation Department for 22 years, leading the juvenile probation division for her last ten years before retiring in 2018. She also contributed her time and expertise to the multidisciplinary team for Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center and served on the board for the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI).

Donna was known for her kind and gentle spirit. She made a lasting impact on the lives of the youth she mentored, earning deep respect and gratitude from colleagues, friends, and the families she served. Her legacy of compassion and dedication will not be forgotten.

Donna was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved spending time outdoors, tending to flowers and birdwatching. She also enjoyed crafting and traveling, with a special fondness for the beaches of the Caribbean.

She married Michael (Mike) Hankins, on July 14, 1972. They were married for 52 years and raised three children: Christopher Hankins of Sheridan; Matthew (Amy) Hankins of Thorntown; and Ashley (Jared Blatsioris) Hankins of Zionsville. Her grandchildren include Alyssa Hankins and Rhiannon Hankins of Michigan; Allie Hankins of Kirkland; Ally Grace Warmoth of Lebanon; Brady Warmoth, Ryder Warmoth, and Blake Warmoth, all of Thorntown.

She is also survived by her brothers Rick (Carolyn) Koontz of Thorntown and Steve (Shelley) Koontz of Lebanon. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings John Koontz, David Koontz, Gary Koontz, and Janet Koontz Lanpher.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boone County Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Family and friends will gather on Friday, August 8th, for visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service following at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Larry Truitt, at Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Donna will be laid to rest at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Thorntown.