Dona Della Sherman

Longtime area resident and horsewoman Dona Sherman, 85, of Hartford, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph.

Dona was born Dec. 23, 1927, in Hartford, the daughter of Donald and Anna (Gay) Chidester, both of whom preceded her in passing. She was also preceded in passing by her husband of 55 years, LeRoy Sherman, on June 13, 2003.

Dona owned and operated Mi-Ladies Dress Shop in Hartford and Coloma for 25 years and was a top-producing real estate broker for 24 years. While Dona enjoyed many things, her greatest love and passion were her horses. She was an accomplished horsewoman and trainer. She received a standing ovation at the 2011 annual MSU Colt Training Competition, where, at 84 years old, she saddle broke a young horse that the rest of the contestants said could not be ridden.

Dona is survived by a daughter, Cynthia (Edward) Booth of Dowagiac; two grandchildren: Jason (Susan) Booth of Milwaukee and Sara Booth Reinhardt of Hartford; and three great-grandchildren.

Per Dona's wishes, cremation took place. A memorial service to honor her memory will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Hartford United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jeffrey Williams officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dona's name be made to the American Cancer Society or to Van Buren or Cass County Animal Control. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.