Mary Ellen Donham

Mary Ellen Donham, 77, Olathe, Kansas passed away peacefully Monday, March 18, 2024 at The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024 at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Overland Park, Kansas. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com

Mary was born in Kansas City, Kansas on January 8, 1947 to Marion Charles “Pete” Horner and Mary Ellen (O’Keefe) Horner. She grew up in Kansas City, Kansas where her parents owned “Horner’s Foodfest” on 42nd Street in Argentine. Mary achieved her valuable people skills as she talked with customers while working at the family store. She also worked at the Dairy Queen, built by her father, located on the front of her house. Mary graduated from Argentine High School in 1965 and continued her education with a bachelor’s degree in education and sociology from Pittsburg State University in 1969. She taught high school but ultimately became a social worker as an advocate for children. She married Larry Donham on October 29, 1971 in Argentine, Kansas. Larry was a dairy farmer and after marriage she moved to the farm, where she resided for 52 years until her death. Mary was a member of Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner, Kansas. Mary enjoyed sports, especially basketball and creating ceramics. She was always involved with her children, but her most rewarding time was spent being a grandmother. Mary will be dearly missed by her family and friends. A void has been created that can never be filled, however Mary’s memory will continue within those that knew and loved her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Larry; children Kelly Donham, Gardner, Kansas and Carrie (Aaron) Miller, Lawrence, Kansas; granddaughter Lydia Miller; sister Catherine “Cathy” (Tom) Boyd, Bolingbrook, Illinois; nieces Erin (Gary) Horan, Homer Glen, Illinois and Tracy (Matt) Guziec, Bolingbrook, Illinois; numerous cousins and many longtime friends.