Donna Jean Merrill

Obituary for Donna Jean Merrill

It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Jean Merrill, age 82, of Moreno Valley, California, who peacefully went home to be with The Lord on October 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving children and family.

Donna was born in San Diego, California, to Anna E. Loman and Robert B. Loman. Throughout her childhood, she lived in several Southern California communities, including Riverside, Ontario, Fontana, and San Bernardino, before ultimately settling in Riverside, where she would live, work, and build her legacy. She attended Euclid Elementary School and De Anza Junior High School in Ontario, and later graduated with honors from San Bernardino High School in June of 1961, excelling both academically and in sports.

Donna devoted 52 years of her life to county, city and state public service. She retired from the California Department of Justice in March of 2005. After retirement, her passion for inspiring and uplifting others continued as she founded Trumpet LLC in November of 2009, a business dedicated to nurturing and developing the gifts and talents of others. 

A woman of unwavering faith, Donna was a devoted and active member of Riverside Faith Temple Ministries for 53 years, serving in various leadership roles throughout the ministry. Her spiritual strength, guidance, and compassionate presence touched and encouraged countless lives within her church community. 

Above all else, Donna’s greatest joy and purpose in life were her three sons. She courageously and lovingly raised them as a single mother, instilling in them the values of faith, perseverance, honor, and unconditional love. 

Donna was a woman of remarkable warmth, with a gentle spirit, generous heart, compassionate nature, and nurturing soul. She expressed her creativity through sewing and was an avid music writer, a gift she inherited from her mother. She always poured love, talent, and intention into everything she did. Her life was defined by service, strength, faith, and a commitment to helping others grow into their fullest potential. 

Her legacy — one of love, faith, family, leadership, creativity, and grace — continues on through all who were blessed to know her. While we deeply mourn her passing, we rejoice knowing she is at peace in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she faithfully served. 

She is preceded in death by her loving mother, Anne E. Loman, and father, Robert B. Loman. She leaves to cherish her memories her loving sons Lance (Towa) of Perris, CA; Adrian (Sophia) of Moreno Valley, CA; and Tracy (Daisy) of Riverside, CA; her cherished grandchildren, Ashleigh, Nicholas, Taylor, Veronica, Adrian Jr., Marissa and her precious great-grandchildren, Jermaine, Khristian, and C’Air. Donna is also survived by her siblings, Bobby Loman of Fontana, CA; Billy Loman (Cathy) of Sacramento, CA; and Ruth Loman of Moreno Valley, CA, who each held a special place in her heart.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Jean Merrill, please visit our floral store.