Donna J. Sandlin, age 85, of Hammond, IN. passed away Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Dyer Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Donna is survived by her children: Michael Ball, Mary (Michael Shapiro) Sandlin, Chris (Don) Kalina and Phillip Sandlin, Jr.; siblings: Dennis (Elaine) McKern, James (late Linda) McKern and Joseph McKern; grandchildren: Mikey (Heather) Ball, Jill (Chris) Cash, Shannon Ball, Vicki (Dan) Schwarten and Holly (Kevin) Novak; many great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  Donna was preceded in passing by her husband, Phillip Sandlin, Sr; siblings Alice (late Don) Missig, Sam (Joanne) Karras, Larry (late Lynn) McKern and Terry (Susan) McKern.

Donna was a leader for T.O.P.S. and previously belonged to a bowling league at Plaza House for many years.  She loved every opportunity to get together with her big Irish family and couldn't wait for the next holiday or Family Reunion.  She was an avid reader and took that passion to help teach adults to read at the Hammond Library.  Donna's home was a "safe haven" for all, and anyone that knew her called her "mom".  You could rest assured her home would always be filled with music from her favorite country artists to Elvis.  Vermillion, Ohio was considered Donna's "second home"  Her granddaughter, Jill now has custody of her beloved cat, "Baby".  Donna was very proud of her Catholic faith.  She now joins her earthly best friend Shirley Livingston.

At the request of the family Memorials may be made in Donna's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Private services have been entrusted to LaHayne Funeral Home.  For any questions, please call (219) 845-3600.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/