Donna Merchant Barnhart (1957 – 2025)

Donna Merchant Barnhart, 68, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, December 1, 2025.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home with Sammy Campbell officiating. Burial will be private.

Donna was born on November 14, 1957, in Front Royal, Virginia, the daughter of the late Donald Ellsworth and Dolly Sylvia Nicholson Merchant.

Donna was a graduate of Warren County High School and of Lord Fairfax with a degree in nursing.

Her family and many friends will greatly miss her.

Surviving is her loving and devoted companion of 25 years, Christopher Tomlinson; two daughters, Courtney Barnhart and Lindsay Barnhart, both of Front Royal; one brother, Darryl Merchant of Front Royal; two sisters, Darlene Hunter (Ken) of Denver, Co and Dalina Merchant of Baton Rouge, LA; one step-daughter, Ashley Pion Tomlinson; and one step-grandchild, Zachary.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Dorinda Merchant.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 14, from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home.