Donna Marie Gartman Schultz, 77

Donna Marie Gartman Schultz passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on November 14, 2025, due to complications from pancreatic cancer and an aortic aneurysm.

Donna was born on March 3, 1948, in Columbia, Louisiana, to David Gartman and Billie (Porter) Gartman. She was a cherished daughter and the beloved older sister of Susan and David. A gifted student and musician, Donna excelled at the piano from an early age. For many years she played the organ at the church her family attended. She also played the clarinet and served as drum major in her high school band. She graduated from Caldwell Parish High School in 1966 and went on to study piano performance at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she joined Kappa Delta sorority and made lifelong friends. Donna later attended graduate school at Michigan State University, earning a PhD in Music Theory and Composition, and subsequently teaching as a full-time member of the faculty.

While at MSU, Donna met the love of her life, Paul William Schultz. They were married on Christmas Day, 1971, at Columbia Methodist Church in her hometown of Columbia. Donna became stepmother to Paul’s three children. Donna and Paul lived in East Lansing and Haslett, Michigan, and both worked in the music field. Their son, David, was born in 1981. In 1982, the family moved to Tacoma, Washington, when Paul accepted a position at the University of Puget Sound.

Donna enjoyed a rich and successful career in music, becoming a well-known composer of choral music. Her works continue to be performed regularly throughout the United States and internationally. She also maintained a private piano studio and taught college courses in music theory and composition at The Evergreen State College in Olympia for several years. In 2006, Donna and Paul moved across the Puget Sound to Gig Harbor. Their years in Tacoma and Gig Harbor were marked by cherished, lifelong friendships and a rich sense of community.

Donna and Paul relocated to Lexington, Kentucky, in 2020, a city they loved and where they had hoped to spend many years together. Sadly, Paul passed away in January 2021. In 2022, Donna moved to Canton, Michigan, to be close to her son and his family. During her brief years in Canton, Donna made a beautiful home, explored new learning opportunities, and formed meaningful friendships. She especially treasured being close to her son’s family, attending their concerts and sporting events, and sharing simple joys like Sunday night pizza together.

Donna is survived by her son, David Porter Schultz, daughter-in-law Emily Sportsman, and grandchildren Elinor (13) and Julian (10) of Dexter, Michigan. She is also survived by her sister Susan Gartman of Columbia, Louisiana; her brother David Gartman of Glenville, North Carolina; and her nephews Jackson and Luke Gartman. On Paul’s side of the family, Donna is survived by her sister-in-law Leah (Kenneth) Baranowski and many nieces and nephews; stepson William Schultz of Grand Haven, Michigan, and his children Jaime and Paul; stepson John (Inger) Schultz of Ramona, California, and their children Tait Karlson and Garrison; and stepdaughter Elizabeth (Paul) Sidaway of Shelby Township, Michigan, and their children Megan and Amy.

Donna called many places home throughout her life and made close friends everywhere she lived. She was remarkably intelligent, talented, and gracious. She loved reading and cooking, and was a devoted and joyful “Nana.” Above all, she lived a beautiful, meaningful life, and will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Those wishing to honor Donna’s memory are invited to make a donation to the Giving Spirit Food Pantry at Columbia Methodist Church, Northwest Repertory Singers, or your local community orchestra or choir. Plans for celebration of life are forthcoming in summer, 2026.