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" (Achelpohl) 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, and her former husband, Jerry Wilson. 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 was held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Corbin, Kansas. A memorial graveside was held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Kansas.
She was the fifth child born to William Clarence and Linda Elizabeth "Selma" (Achelpohl) 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, and her former husband, Jerry Wilson. 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 was held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Corbin, Kansas. A memorial graveside was held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Kansas.
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" (Achelpohl) 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, and her former husband, Jerry Wilson. 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 was held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Corbin, Kansas. A memorial graveside was held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Kansas.
She was the fifth child born to William Clarence and Linda Elizabeth "Selma" (Achelpohl) 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, and her former husband, Jerry Wilson. 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 was held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Corbin, Kansas. A memorial graveside was held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Kansas.
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