Donna Kaye "Ladyhawk" (Payne) Young

Donna Kaye "Ladyhawk" (Payne) Young, 81, a truly remarkable woman of New Albany, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Born on April 23, 1944, in Owensboro, Kentucky, she was the beloved daughter of John and Edna (Crawford) Payne.

Known for her deep connection to God's creation, Donna had a profound appreciation for nature and was celebrated for her extensive knowledge of holistic healing and herbal medicine. She dedicated herself to sharing this wisdom with others, teaching survival classes that reflected both her expertise and her adventurous spirit. Possessing a remarkable mechanical mind, she had the uncanny ability to fix anything that crossed her path.

In addition to her talents in healing and survival, Donna was a gifted artist. She expressed her creativity through drawing and painting, enriching the lives of those around her with her skills. Music was another of Donna’s passions; she had the gift of melody, playing various instruments including the piano, organ, bass guitar, and her favorite, the Native American flute. Her musical abilities were a testament to her multifaceted personality and her love for life.

Donna lived a life filled with love, kindness and a devotion to our Heavenly Father and his son, the Messiah, touching many with her generous spirit. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip Young, and her sisters, Sharon Payne and Patsy Jones. Donna is survived by her devoted children, Robin "Two Feathers" Smith (Jackie) and Jeffrey Taylor (Patti), who carry forward her legacy of love and compassion.

As per her wishes, Donna was cremated, and Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in New Albany was entrusted with her care.