Lees

Donna Lee Lees, of Harrisville, passed away in her home on Sunday, June 28, 2026. She was 86 years old.

Brought into this world as Donna Lee Hetrick, she was sculpted to be a force of nature. Daughter of Bessie Ann and Walter Lawrence Hetrick, she made her grand debut in Pittsburgh on Aug. 13, 1939.

Donna raised five children, four as Donna Sestric (Elmer) and one as Donna Lees (Earl). Her children are Tammy Sestric (Craig), Theresa Thomas, Theodora Kellogg (Scott), Frank Sestric and Amanda Griffith (Bobbie). Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant everything to her. She was the cord that held together, a beautifully woven and tightly knit family.

Donna loved spending time on the farm and being around animals. Everyone who knew her knew that she had a heart of gold and loved nothing more than sharing a laugh. She was a constant source of joy and a steadying presence. She also had an avid love of elephants, clouds, lighthouses, chocolate, tossel caps and turnips.

She participated in many community events throughout her life, including Couples Club, Tennessee Walking Horse competitions, Girl Scouts, Junior Achievement visits to Har-Mer Elementary and attending church at Forestville United Methodist Church.

Donna was also proud to be an accomplished skydiver — once at the age of 82 and then again less than a year later.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie and Walter Hetrick; her three siblings; Jack Hetrick, Honey Lou Tyson and Harry “Mac” Hetrick; her husband, Earl Lees; and two grandchildren, Eric and Shawn Kellogg.

Donna is survived by her five children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a family and countless friends who will miss her beyond words.

LEES — A date for a celebration of life for Donna Lee Lees, who died Sunday, June 28, 2026, will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Donna’s name to the Child Advocacy Center of Butler County, 101 Mahood Road, Butler, PA 16001, or the Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard, 342 N. Main St., Slippery Rock, PA 16057.

Arrangements are by SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Slippery Rock.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.