Donna Jean (Gates) Howerton of Bonner Springs was born September 18, 1934 to Arthur and Marie (Eaton) Gates and departed this life on January 6, 2020. While growing up, the family lived in several locations in Kansas and Missouri, where her father worked for municipal utility plants. She graduated from Sabetha high school in 1952. Donna married Faryl Howerton and the family lived and farmed in the Morrill and Highland communities for many years, later moving to Bonner Springs. Four daughters were born to the marriage: Vicki Lyn, Linda Marie, Patricia Kay, and Janet Lee. Donna and Faryl later divorced.
Donna had a strong work ethic, starting at Southwestern Bell, where she worked for many years, doing double duty on the farm and raising her family. After retiring from Bell, she worked for the IRS and, later, for H&R Block. Donna, to those who knew her well, was very intelligent, strong-willed, held a firm belief in Christianity and was not shy about sharing her opinions on any subject. Her primary focus was always on her family and, in particular, helping those that might be in need of one kind or another.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Vicki Mietchen, and siblings Trula Robinett and Alvin Gates. Survivors include daughters Linda (Ted) Collins, Patty (Rick) Friesz, Janet (Tom) Christenson, son-in-law Jon Mietchen, siblings Phyllis (Duane) Gish, JoAnn Bliss, Jerry (Bonda) Gates, grandchildren April (Darren) Rager, Brad (Mindy) Corder, Cara (Brad) Pendley, Andrea Collins (Dallas) Keller, Jana Collins (Jared Bertels), Jonathan Collins, Gretchen (Chris) Ezell, Ben Christenson and Ashley Mietchen, and 15 Great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 13 at Alden Harrington Funeral Home, 214 Oak St., Bonner Springs. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service (10:00 a.m.), with burial following at Lenape Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Feed His Lambs, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to prevent hunger.