We were all left with questions when Kiley Donnally passed away on February 11, 2015. As a 1999 graduate of Maumee High School, she hung out with people that shared her love of music and lived moment to moment. Later, she would attend Owens Community College, waitress at various places in the area, rent a room in the Old West End, tag along on random road trips, and continue to make art, new friends, and share songs. She was a good cook, and could make you laugh easily. Sometimes she took care of people, sometimes she disappeared with them. She had a shoulder of tattoos. She had a big heart. She had a son, Shepard, in 2012.
The cause of death was not listed. But in Donnally’s obituary, next to Shepard’s name read, “Most importantly, Kiley was a loving mother to her beloved son.”
Friends will come together at Parkway Sports Bar and Grill to play "Songs for Shepard," a benefit for Shepard Bayer and his future education.
Not just anybody
“I want Shepard to know that he was born into a good community that sticks by each other,” said Sharrie Georgevich, who had been best friends with Donnally since high school. "I want to help do that—let him know that he's loved and that he's got family in me." Georgevich was the first to know when Donnally was expecting, and even drove her to the hospital when she was in labor.
“It feels like a natural thing to do when you love somebody. And they go, they leave this world. Somebody has to carry on for Shepard and make sure he’s okay.”
Josh Whitney had the idea when he dedicated a show in Donnally’s honor at Ye Olde Cock N’ Bull downtown.“As soon as I found out [about Donnally’s death], my initial thought was that we should do something for Shepard. Having kids, I am very empathic about it,” he said. “I want Shepard to know there's a community of people to help him out. Money by no means is a replacement for a mother . . . but the least we can do is help provide for his educational future.”
Let the sound take you away
The event will begin at noon, Sunday, April 12 at Parkway Sports Bar and Grill located on Detroit Ave. and the Anthony Wayne Trail in Parkway Plaza, next to Maumee Wines. Tickets are $15 at the door; $12 in advance. All proceeds go to Shepard's CD fund. A portion of tickets will be automatically entered into a 50/50 raffle. A spaghetti dinner is included, as well as a silent auction with gift baskets by local businesses.
Whitney plays in The Eight Fifteens, who will perform along with Orlando Finelli, Jake Pilewski, Kristi Marie, Ryan Dunlap & Jessica, Rick Caswell, Michael Whitty, Steve Kennedy, John & Stacey, Ryan Roth, Devious, Doug Wilson, Maggie Coco, Ben Miller & The Boogie Boys, and John Howard La Prairie & The Black Swamp Rebels.
"[Donnally] was always cool," says Whitney. "I can't imagine if I died and left my kids behind. I just want to help."
