November 17, 1934 ~ November 10, 2013
Donna Kathryn Wilson passed away Sunday, November 10, 2013 7 days before her 79th birthday at her residence in Caldwell. She was the fifth child born to William Clarence and Linda Elizabeth Selma Norris on November 17, 1934. Donna spent her early childhood on a farm near Rome, KS, after being dropped off by gypsies (as her siblings always claimed). As the story goes she was traded for a truck load of chickens! They moved to Wellington when she was a small girl where she attended Wellington Schools. During the war the family lived close to the railroad tracks. When the troops came through Wellington Donna amused herself and tried to make a little extra money by trying to sell some of her older sisters stuff. The troops were hoping to catch a glimpse of her pretty teenage sister. That plan failed, however, because Betty was not amused!
In 1955 Donna married Jerry Wilson; this marriage blessed them with three children. After graduation from Wellington High School, Donna worked for a while at Boeing. After moving to Caldwell she attended cosmetology school and owned and operated the Border Queen beauty shop. Eventually she began taking classes at Cowley County Community College, Southwestern College and Wichita State University earning her teaching degree in 1975. She taught elementary school in Caldwell and later at Kennedy elementary in Wellington before retiring in 1997. She loved teaching and watching the children learn and discover. She made many lifelong friends during this time. After retiring she stayed busy substitute teaching, babysitting grandchildren, and attending their many activities. She was a member of the Corbin United Methodist Church where she could always be counted on to volunteer for whatever was needed. She also volunteered at the Caldwell Public Library, Joy Express, and Provide a Ride.
Donna’s children remember her as a very patient and kind mother. She never raised her voice and taught them to be good people, not only through her words but through her actions as well. She was a wonderful cook and seamstress, sewing many prom, bridesmaids dresses, and Kelly’s wedding dress. Her grandchildren also have many fond memories of times spent with their grandma; picking out new dress up gowns at the thrift store, feeding the ducks, fishing, playing wahoo (marbles), among many others. Many fun trips were taken, including San Antonio and Colorado Springs. Memories made on these trips will last a lifetime! She always made each one feel special and if you had a minute to listen she would tell you how smart they all were! She never missed a birthday and her great-grandchildren looked forward to getting cards in the mail so they could add a quarter to their piggy banks!
Donna’s large family has many good memories of times spent together. Some of her best times were spent playing cards and dominoes with Betty, Bill, Dick, and Jolene. She loved getting together with the large Norris clan, the Christmas celebrations were always very special to her!
Donna is survived by her children Steve (Tanya) Wilson of Mayfield, Kelly Shoffner (Jeff) of Wichita and Jan (Rob) Wencel of Caldwell. Grandchildren Eric Shoffner, Alyson (Chad) Ross, Kristin (Cody) White, Adam Shoffner, Jordyn Rice, Chelsi Wilson, Blake Rice, Jessy Wencel, Skyler Wencel (Zach), and Sam Wencel. Great-grandchildren Max Ross, Karsyn White, Avi Kathryn Atkins, Hank Ross, Camden White, and Adalynn Mendez. Brothers, William George Norris, Harold Richard Norris and sister Betty McMillan, all of Wellington. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Donna was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister, Evelyn Helen.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Corbin, Kansas. A memorial graveside will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Kansas.
Memorials may be given in Donna's name to the United Methodist Church, Corbin, Kansas or to the Caldwell Public Library.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
Clara Ginn
Family and Friends - 11/11/2013
I especially appreciated getting to know Donna over the last few years. I knew her when we were in Wellington High School and during the time our kids were growing up among each other, but I felt so privileged to watch her grow in the Lord after she started coming to church in Corbin. She was a dedicated and obedient lovely Christian Woman and I thank God I got to know her through the years.
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louise mcgregor
Family and Friends - 11/11/2013
i cant belive she is gone... always a smile and a yell as we walked by her house . she was a breath of sunshine every time I saw her... we go back a long ways and I will always have great and fond thoughts of my friend Donna. prayers goes out to you kids...
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Donna was a very dear friend.
Family and Friends - 11/11/2013
Donna was a very dear friend. We had many great times together and with her family. A great mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She will be missed by all who she touch in our lives.
IN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP,
Jackie Foster
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Karen Fitch
Family and Friends - 11/11/2013
What a tremendous loss to those of us who knew and loved her. I think I met her at the Christian Church in 1974 or 75. She called me just recently and as always, we talked about Jesus. You kids have had a wonderful example to follow,,, perfect? No. - - Mistakes? Yep - - Forgiven? You bet. How she loved you all,,, God bless all of you and you continue to be in our prayers.
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Lisa Moreland
Family and Friends - 11/12/2013
I still can't believe Donna is gone. I saw her just last Friday when she came to the library to mend books. I am so thankful we had that last chance to visit. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word. I will miss her!!
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Kathie Henton
Family and Friends - 11/12/2013
Steve, Kelly, Jan and families;
So sorry to hear about your mom and my neighbor. Thru the years, I have seen her tackle many construction projects and I admire her for all that she accomplished in her career and life!
Praying that wonderful memories will help ease the pain of your loss.
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Linda Harrison
Family and Friends - 11/12/2013
Donna was a strong woman of faith and always had a beautiful smile . Rest in peace my friend .
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Lucille Wolff
Family and Friends - 11/12/2013
My love and prayers go out to all her family, she was a special lady
we all will always remember. She always had kind words for us little old ladies as we were walking in mornings. We all will have lots of wonderful memories of our Donna. Lucille and my family.
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Jo Rice Roitman
Family and Friends - 11/12/2013
My condolences to Donna's family. Steve, Kelly, and Jan. She loved you all so much. And loved talking about her grand kids and greats. She was a kind, caring woman and so capable in all that she did. She always made me feel like the most special person in the room. I'm sure she made a lot of people feel that way. We will miss her so much at Corbin Methodist Church. She was a constant presence in all our activities. Always helping, always positive.
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clint and marilyn moore
Family and Friends - 11/13/2013
I was so sorry to hear about "Mrs. Wilson" passing. Our children were at Kennedy when she taught there. She had her students write poems and submit them to a children's magazine when my son had her. It was 2 years later that they published his poem. He was in 6th grade then but she sent him some balloons to school to congratulate him on being published! He has never forgotten that. Anytime I would see Donna she would always ask about him. She was something special! Always had a smile
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Tina Walton
Family and Friends - 11/13/2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Donna was such great person. We will miss seeing her at the credit union.
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Juanita M. Caudillo Avalos
Family and Friends - 11/13/2013
The lost of such a unique individual will be missed! She always would stop to talk, and be concerned about others. Good bless the family and give you strength to carry on!
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Wilberta Goff
Family and Friends - 11/13/2013
I'm so sorry to hear about Donna. She was a very Special person to me and many others. I got to know her when she, Shirley and I went to school in Ponca City. What great times and laughs. She will be greatly missed, but the memories will live forever.
Donna loved her family so much, may you have peace, knowing that she will always be in your hearts.
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Carol Norris
Family and Friends - 11/14/2013
So shocked to hear of Donna's passing. She was always such a loving person. I will always remember the good time we all had playing pitch at my house just a couple months ago. So sorry.
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Jacqui Pierce
Family and Friends - 11/15/2013
Kelly and family...I am so sorry to hear of Donna's passing...I had the pleasure of meeting her many years ago at Kelly's home and visited with her briefly. She made an immediate impression on me as someone I would love to know better, much like the first time I met her daughter Kelly, whom I still love dearly. My hope is that all of your happy memories will soon outweigh the sadness...my heart goes out to all of you...
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Carla Sue Chisham Browne
Family and Friends - 11/26/2013
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Donna. I have known Donna my whole life and what an incredible woman she was. She always had a smile and back in the day she and my dad (Jim Chisham) were always playing jokes on one another at Kennedy. Donna loved life to the fullest. She loved her family and she loved to teach. She made a difference in a lot of children's lives over the years. She will be truly missed.
To her children please know that you all our in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Carla Sue Chisham Browne
