Cincinnati Nurses
Honor Guard

Donna Laake, RN is a highly respected and experienced Registered Nurse with over 50 years of service in the nursing profession. A graduate of Northern Kentucky University, Donna has worked across multiple specialties, including Medical-Surgical, Coronary Care, OB/GYN, and pediatric trauma. She served as a Health Commissioner for 16 years and contributed her expertise to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Trauma Services.

A passionate advocate for child safety, Donna has been a lead instructor with the National Child Passenger Safety Program for over 25 years, actively mentoring new technicians and conducting car seat checks in the community. In addition to her clinical and public health work, she currently serves as Treasurer of the Cincinnati Nurses Honor Guard, honoring the legacy and dedication of fellow nurses.

Donna’s career is marked by a deep commitment to patient care, public health, education, and professional service—a true embodiment of lifelong nursing excellence.

Melynda is a dedicated Hospice LPN, Reiki Master, and proud 2010 graduate of Brown Mackie College. With a passion for compassionate end-of-life care, Melynda brings both clinical expertise and holistic healing to those in need. As a member of the Cincinnati Nurses Honor Guard, she is committed to honoring the service and legacy of fellow nurses, ensuring their contributions are recognized with dignity and respect. Through her work in hospice and energy healing, Melynda continues to uplift and support individuals and families during life’s most sacred transitions.

Kathy graduated from St. Rita’s School of Nursing in Lima, Ohio in 1965. Came to Cincinnati with three friends and started working at Christ Hospital, until 1973. Worked at Good Samaritan from 1975-1979. Started at Mercy in 1980 as floor nurse. She is still working at Mercy in Outpatient Infusion.

She has four children and seven grandchildren.

“The Best Years” … If anyone had said that during my career, I would’ve LOL’d! But as busy parents and nurses, we’re livin’ the dream, right? And as a new LPN in 1972, I was clueless. But the reality of life, death, illness, injury— and the screaming need for nurses hit me hard. For 47 years, I was privileged to care for people in Med-Surg, Critical & Cardiac ICU, Burns Special Care, Long-Term Care, an MD Office, Home Health and Hospice. No favorites, I truly loved ‘em all. I later returned to college, earning my BSN in 2001.

For many of us, retirement seems like a far-off planet. But after two years, I had had it! Browsing the internet, I read something about a Nurses’ Honor Guard, Our national leader, Julia Godby-Murray was very excited. “We want to start one in Cincinnati… how about it?” “Umm, no! NO thank you.” I replied (our first meeting soon followed, four nurses strong).

I’ll never forget our first tribute— the honored nurse was an old friend. But the real shocker was her grieving family. So heart-wrenching to stand in front all that pain and loss. Many tributes later, I believe every family is comforted a bit by our presence and our words.

I can’t believe our humble little group has grown to nearly 100 members now! And we don’t need to explain ourselves anymore, Funeral Directors now contact us when a nurse passes.

I want to thank all of YOU for joining our group and giving even more of yourselves. You’ll always be a blessing to someone, even during sorrow and loss.

Michelle is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse with 17 years of experience, currently serving as an Assistant Manager on the inpatient oncology unit at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Working the night shift, she plays a vital role in providing exceptional care to her patients while leading and supporting her team.

Nursing is Michelle’s second career, and her passion for healing and helping others shines through in every aspect of her work. In addition to her clinical expertise, she is a Level 3 Reiki Master, integrating holistic healing practices into her nursing care. Michelle and her twin sister, Melynda, co-own a successful Healing Touch business, where they offer therapeutic services to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Michelle is also a dedicated volunteer with the Cincinnati Nurses Honor Guard, honoring the lives and contributions of fellow nurses. Her deep commitment to both her profession and her community exemplifies the values of compassion, leadership, and service.

My name is Amy Daniels RN, BSN OCN. I am the Community Liaison and one of the tribute Coordinators for the Cincinnati Nurses Honor Guard. I am a lifelong Cincinnati resident who grew up on the Eastside. I have been a nurse since 2013. My specialty is oncology and I work at the UC Barrett Cancer Center. I’m married with 3 fur babies Waylon, Willie and Joe Welsh.

Being a part of the CNHG is a true honor. I believe wholeheartedly that “our tribe” as I like to call us deserves this. I have met some great gals in this group ... hoping some guys would like to join. It’s a small sacrifice for a greater reward. Look forward to serving with you

Kim Kunkel, BSN, RN, CCM, CHPPN is a dedicated and compassionate nurse with an impressive career spanning numerous specialties in healthcare. She serves as a Tribute Coordinator for the Cincinnati Nurses Honor Guard, honoring the profound contributions of nurses within her community. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, having graduated from both Raymond Walters College and Ohio University.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kim treasures her role as a wife, mother to two daughters and one son, and proud Nana to five grandchildren. Her family forms the heart of her world, bringing her immense joy and purpose. Kim also extends her care and kindness to the animal community, serving as a guardian home with 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training service dogs for individuals with disabilities.

A proud native of southwest Ohio, Beth earned both her associate and bachelor’s nursing degrees from Miami University. She launched her career at Middletown Regional Hospital, spending three years in the “float” department before transitioning to end-of-life care at Hospice of Middletown in 1985. It was during her time at Hospice that Beth discovered her deep passion for supporting patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team in providing comfort during the final stages of life.

While raising three active sons, Beth explored various roles in home care and hospice but ultimately found her calling in marketing and sales. While living in Ohio, Florida and New Jersey, she dedicated herself to educating both the public and professionals about palliative care, continuing in this role until her retirement in 2024.

Now, Beth’s focus has shifted to racing in triathlons, traveling, and enjoying time with her three grandsons. Although she didn’t have a daughter by birth, she cherishes her wonderful daughters-in-law.