In the early morning of January 21st, 2026, Sheila Donovan, aged 60, transitioned from this world into the next after a brief illness.

Sheila was born to Marion and Judith Sifford in Chicago, Illinois, on May 15th, 1965. She spent her early childhood in West Virginia before returning to Illinois. Sheila attended Morton West High School in Berwyn, and graduated with the class of 1982. She was married to Daniel Loftin in 1988, and her beloved daughter, Megan, was born to them in the spring of 1990. She went on to later marry Scott Donovan in June of 2006, and they spent the next two decades together until her passing.

Sheila's career was best defined by the time she spent driving a bus. Whether it was the Pace busses in Chicago or the school busses in Minooka, her wit and warmth helped her connect with her riders, especially the children she saw safely to and from school each day. Sheila also had passions for travel, collecting, antiquing, crafting, bargain hunting, quality time with family, and a deep love for animals, dogs in particular. While she loved every dog she ever met, we believe that Oreo, Macy, Molly, Mollie, George, Stewie, and Marvin were amongst her most cherished.

Survivors include her husband, Scott; their daughter Megan (Nick) Morley, mother-in-law Judy Thornburg, and beloved dog Marvin.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband.

Cremation rites are being accorded, and the family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block east of IL Route 47), in Morris on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of memorial service at 7:00 p.m.

A private inurment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Morris.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Sheila’s memory to the family for distribution to local animal welfare charities of their choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Sheila’s memorial page.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-2500)