Dona Rhea Kirtley passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30th, 2026, at the age of 88. She was born in Sebree  Kentucky, on September 12th, 1938, to Josephine and Harold V. Luck.

She is the wife of the late William Kirtley, Sr.; the mother of Krista Moore, Adam Scott (Nathalie), Vicki Whalen, and Veronica James (Donald); the grandmother of Kristal Heffley (Alan Shaner), Declan Scott, Michael Whalen (Harley), Grant Anders, and Chase Anders; the great-grandmother of Navaeh Whalen, Mykaela Whalen, Ella Whalen, Merrie Whalen, Dylan Heffley, and Amber Palmer ; and the sister of Jo Faye Stern (Robert), and Harold V. Luck, Jr. She is also survived by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful lifelong friends.

A native of Evansville,Indiana and proud resident of Evansville for over 36 years, Dona graduated from Benjamin Bosse High School, in 1956. After high school she attended La Jay’s Beauty  College and Dona began her life long career as a bartender. She moved to the West bank of New Orleans and was a successful and well respected as a bartender and also bar owner of Dona’s  Office and The Lantern Lounge. Upon retiring she moved back to Evansville and married William Kirtley.

  Dona was loving, compassionate, and most of all a very caring person to all. She enjoyed spending time outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, sun bathing, or hiking. Dona  was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, Order of the Owls, YMCA, and a member of Christian Fellowship Church.  Dona’s true passion was singing, and she was quite talented and also loved to dance. What she loved most of all was spending time with her  loving family and friends. Dona was unique and irreplaceable, well respected and liked, and will be deeply and dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her spirit and tender nature will remain in the many memories of her cherished friends and family until they meet her again.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the outstanding care provided by Ochsner Neuro ICU.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial services in the chapel at MOTHE Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana on Saturday, November 28th, 2026, at 1 p.m. with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Celebration of Life for family and friends will be at Cocktails Lounge following the services. 

MOTHE Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at www.MotheFunerals.com.