Dr. Lora Hiatt Donoho, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 3 in Fairfield, Illinois. A beloved wife, aunt, educator, and friend, she will be remembered for her compassionate spirit, sharp intellect, deep faith, and joyful sense of humor.
Born May 22, 1931, in Ullin, Illinois. Lora was the daughter of James and Josie Hiatt. She was raised in a close-knit family alongside her siblings: Cecil Hiatt, Mildred Whitehead, Kathryn (Katy) Stover, James (Jim) Hiatt, Carl Hiatt, Arthur Hiatt, Robert (Bobby) Hiatt, Bette Jean Dluzak, John (Delbert) Hiatt, and Freddie Hiatt.
She graduated from Bluford High School, earned her bachelor’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University, her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Donoho dedicated her professional life to education. She taught physical education at Wayne City High School and Collinsville High School. She served as Professor of Physical Education at Olivet Nazarene University, Athletic Director at Trevecca Nazarene University, Assistant Academic Dean at Olivet Nazarene University, and Professor of Physical Education and Director of Athletics at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where she was the first female collegiate athletic director in the nation.
Her faith and service, love of travel, and joyful laughter enriched the lives of all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John Donoho, her parents and siblings. She is survived by nieces, nephews, extended family, students, and friends.
Memorials may be made to Indian Lake Nazarene Camp in Vicksburg, Michigan.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 9 am to 11 am at Hughey Funeral Home, Mt. Vernon, IL.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 11:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home, Mt. Vernon, IL. Burial will follow at Lowry Hill Cemetery, Bluford, IL.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
