Donna Jean Cartwright's Obituary
Donna Cartwright, 87, of Marine City, passed away peacefully in her home on December 9, 2025.
Donna was born January 25, 1938 in Argyle, Michigan to Esther & Melvin Ingles. She was a long-time resident settling into the community decades ago and never leaving the place she came to call home. Over the years she built a life rooted in friendship, memory, and a deep sense of belonging.
Donna knew both the joy of deep partnership and the heartbreak of loss. Widowed in the middle of her life, she carried her first husband’s memory tenderly. In time, love found her once more, and she remarried Mike Cartwright. A testament to her strength, her capacity to hope, and her belief that life still held beauty.
She worked at Baker Electrical in Marine City for several years. Donna loved working in her yard and garden, which she always took pride in. She also enjoyed doing jig saw puzzles and watching Wheel of Fortune, or as she simple called it, “The Wheel”, but her real passion was making photo albums for her family.
Donna held tightly to the good moments. The old photos that she collected and shared were evidence of this. They showed laughter, love, and good times among family and friends. By giving those photos to others, she enjoyed sharing captured memories. It wouldn’t be unusual for her to have an envelope in her purse with you name on it with pictures of you or your loved ones just in case she happen to bump into you. She shared her old photos so we would never forget the moments, people, places, and feelings.
Her love for her dog Tigger was one of the purest parts of her life. He waited at the door when she left, curled at her feet in the evenings, and followed her from room to room as though keeping watch. In return, she gave him all the affection, warmth, and gentleness she gave everyone she cared about.
She is survived by her husband Mike Cartwright, Daughter Marilyn Emery (Andy), Step daughter Nicole Desot, Grandchildren, Becky Harriman (Tony), Erick Emery, Billie Bihn (Robert), Kayla & Joey Smith, 4 great grandchildren ,11 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephew and many cousins and dear friends.
Preceded in death by, husband Theodore (Ted) Kuecken, son Ronald (Ronnie)Kuecken, parents Esther & Melvin Ingles
Special thank you to Tonya for taking such good care of her and Toni for being there for support
Private grave site service.
“Celebration of Life” luncheon at Riveria Restaurant, Marine City at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15,2025.
Arrangements entrusted to Young Funeral Home, China Twp. To leave the family a message of comfort please visit: https://www.youngcolonial.com
What’s your fondest memory of Donna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donna?
Share a story where Donna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donna you’ll never forget.
How did Donna make you smile?