Her fellow students in the Home Economics class at Mathews High School named Donna Billups Miller one of two Future Bakers of America. They surely knew how to vote correctly as Donna is now the owner of Donna’s Baking Creations in Ashland.

Donna, who was elected May Queen in 1979, grew up in Mathews. Her parents live in the family home here so Donna can visit often. Having had a good day plus lots of fun participating in May Faire last month, Donna plans to return for Mathews Market Days, “That is, if I don’t have a wedding order for that weekend.”

Donna gives credit to her mom and also to her Home Economic studies for learning how to cook. And cooking she does with the oven being the most used part of her range.

About six years ago, Donna went into business, hoping that everyone felt as she does: “I love desserts.” When the coronavirus struck, she had to close the shop door but not her business. Signs were posted to call her phone number and people did. “I soon came to be ju...