Donna Lynne Luttrull Gallops
Donna Lynne Luttrull Gallops, a devoted wife and mother, loving grandmother, gifted musician, faithful Christian, and treasured friend to generations of community members and colleagues, passed away peacefully after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. A native of Tampa, Florida, she was born on July 21, 1963 and moved to Roanoke, Virginia in 2004. Donna went home to be with The Lord Jesus Christ peacefully in her Roanoke home on Saturday June 20, 2026.
A proud 1981 graduate of King High School (Tampa, FL), Donna possessed extraordinary musical gifts which she shared throughout her life. A talented woodwind instrumentalist and singer, she enjoyed a distinguished performing career during the 1980s and 1990s. For more than thirty years, she delighted audiences as a musician at Busch Gardens Tampa's Festhaus and appeared in numerous productions and performances throughout the Tampa Bay and Southwest Virginia regions.
In 1986, Donna married fellow musician and conductor, Dr. R. Wayne Gallops. Together they built a home centered on faith, music, love, and service to others. Donna was a wonderful and devoted mother to their children, Daniel and Lauren, and cherished her role as grandmother to her beloved granddaughter, Sofia.
Donna lovingly encouraged and supported generations of music students from H.B. Plant High School (FL) and Radford University (VA), welcoming them with warmth, kindness, and an open heart. Her musical talents also enriched her church communities and theatrical companies in Florida and Virginia. She performed as an outstanding instrumentalist, singer, actress and was especially remembered for her portrayals of Mother Superior in productions of “The Sound of Music” and “Nunsense” with Attic Productions (VA). She faithfully served and shared her gifts with the Lutz First United Methodist Church (Tampa, FL), Central UMC (Salem, VA), Fincastle UMC (Botetourt, VA) and St. Mark's UMC (Daleville, VA).
From 2006 until 2018, Donna was office manager for the Carilion Infertility Clinic in Roanoke (VA), where she was admired for her compassion, professionalism, and dedication to helping others during some of the most important moments of their lives.
Over the past decade, Donna devoted herself tirelessly to caring for her disabled son, Daniel. Her selfless love, steadfast strength, and unwavering commitment reflected the compassion and energy which defined her life. Above all else, Donna's deep Christian faith guided her each day, and she instilled those same beliefs in her children. Even through her long illness, she faced each challenge with courage and trust in God's promises.
Donna is survived by her husband of nearly forty years, R. Wayne Gallops; her son, Daniel Gallops; her daughter, Lauren Gallops Castro, and son-in-law, Stefan Castro; and her cherished granddaughter, Sofia Castro. She is also survived by her brothers, Steven Luttrull and Michael Luttrull; her mother-in-law, Janice Lee Carroll; nephew, Justin Luttrull; nieces, Rachel Gallops and Jessica Luttrull Moroze; and numerous loving family members and close friends, including Scott Gallops, Michelle Gallops, Stephanie Gallops Carroll, Shawn Carroll, Patsy Luttrull, Sharon Luttrull, Rick and Jane Dormany, Vickie Busic, Christine Clark, Chris Reynolds, Melanie Scott, Marise Robbins-Forbes, and Nancy Reich. Donna is preceded in death by her mother and father, Gladys Luttrull and Leonard Luttrull; and her brother Douglas Luttrull.
Donna's life was a beautiful testimony of faith, music, compassion, energy and love. Whether on stage, in church, at work, or within her family, she touched countless lives with her humor and tenacious spirit. Her legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
Donna's family finds great comfort in support provided by the wonderful communities of Roanoke, Radford University, Tampa Bay and knowledge she has been welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Savior. Donna now joins the heavenly choir she so beautifully helped enrich throughout her life. Her song lives on in those she loved, and her memory will be cherished always.
A Celebration of Donna’s Life will take place on Sunday July 12, 2026, at 4pm in the sanctuary of St. Marks United Methodist Church, 19 Cedar Ridge Dr, Daleville, VA 24083 with Rev. Samuel R. Plymale officiating, followed by a reception at the church for family and friends. Funeral arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory Roanoke https://www.simpsonfuneral.com
