Donna Mae Best

Donna Mae Best, 95, of Emlenton, a long-time Nickleville resident, went peacefully to be with the Lord late Tuesday evening, October 7, 2025, in the company of her family at The Caring Place in Franklin.

Donna Mae was born in Salem Twp., Clarion County, on April 8, 1930.  She was the daughter of the late John Harold and E. Marie Hays Beels.

She was a 1948 graduate of Salem High School and graduated from the Oil City Business School. She was a long-time active member of the Nickleville Presbyterian Church and served as a deacon for many years.

In her earlier years, Donna Mae had been employed at the Beels Insurance Agency in Knox. Later, she was the co-proprietor of The Red Brick Inn Bed and Breakfast in Nickleville. She was a Penn State Master Gardener and enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, quilting, and helping others in community service. Above all, Donna Mae enjoyed time spent with her family.

She was a member of the Auxiliary of the Dehart Rossman Wenner American Legion Post, The Order of Eastern Star, The Venango County Historical Society, and the Richland Grange. She was a Venango County 4-H Leader for many years.

Donna Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene K. “Gene” Best, on August 8, 2016. The couple was married in the Nickleville Presbyterian Church by the Rev. James Tilton on October 3, 1953.

Surviving are five children, Debbie Wilkinson and her husband, Frank, of Polk, Thomas E. Best and his wife, Sandi; Scott Best and his wife, Marcia, all of Emlenton; Robert A. Best and his wife, Christina, of Parker; and Douglas E. Best and his wife, Susan, of Rutland, VT; nine grandchildren, Stefanie Best, Darcy Best, Brian Best and his wife, Katy, James Best and his wife, Ashley, Brittney Best, Katelyn Best, Evan Best and his wife, Racheal, Nate Best, and Justin Best; two step grandchildren, Ally and Jon Hall; five great grandchildren, Taylor, Harlow, Parker, Theo, and Easton; a sister, Shirley Heath of Lamartine; two sisters-in-law, Ida Beels of Slippery Rock and Doris Beels of Carlisle, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, William Beels and Glenn Beels, a sister, Eleanor Ann Beels, her grandson, Brady Best, a brother-in-law, Wilmer “Bill” Heath, as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton, from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025, and at the Nickleville Presbyterian Church from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025. A funeral service will follow from the church at 11 a.m. with former church pastor, Rev. Sue Montgomery, officiating. The interment will be in the Nickleville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nickleville Presbyterian Church, 169 Valley Church Road, Emlenton, PA  16373.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.