Donna Lee Anderson, age 88, of Abilene went to be with the Lord on July 2nd 2022. She was the daughter of Leslie Ralph Loader and Alma Nellie (Knisley) Loader.
Donna was born south of Enterprise on August 15th, 1933. She lived there until she was four years old. They then moved south of Chapman where she attended school until 4th grade.The family then moved to the Buckeye Community. She attended the Jeffcoat and Oak Creek one room country schoolhouse until 8th grade. Donna then rode the bus to Chapman High School. During this time she met the love of her life, Leo Anderson. Donna Graduated in 1951. Donna accepted the Lord in High School while attending church camp. She was a member of the Wesleyan Church where she taught Sunday school and Junior Church.
After graduating, she was employed at the United Utilities Telephone Company in Abilene for 10years. In 1953, Donna married Leo Anderson on August 23rd and they made their home in Abilene.
In 1963, she opened up her home for childcare and was one of the first sitters to be licensed in Abilene. Donna cared for over 80 children including second generations and enjoyed each one as well as her own. The Children spent their days playing in the backyard, going for walks, reading, painting, and drawing pictures, going on short field trips and playing games. She taught them that they all were special and that God created and loved each one of them. In 2000, she received an award for 35 years in childcare and continued sitting until 2014 at the age of 80 years old.
In her free time she enjoyed being with her family, gardening, being with friends, reading and writing poetry, and listening to spiritual music.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Leo in April 2009, as well as her parents, 3 brothers- Weldon, Lyle, and Linn, as well as her two sisters- Lila and Doris. She is survived by her 2 children- Nell Jean Thacker and husband Chester of Rural Chapman, and her son Clifford and wife Darlene of rural Abilene. Donna had three grandchildren- Justin, Marci, and Josh. She also had 5 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, July 7th 2022 at Danner Funeral Home. Burial will be at Cheeven (Henry) Cemetery. Family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6-8PM at Danner Funeral home. Family suggests memorials be given to St. Jude’s Hospital or Brainard Indian School. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Danner Funer Home, 601 N Buckeye, Abilene, KS 67410. Online condolences may be sent to www.dannerfuneralhome.net.