Donna L. Whitley

Donna Louise Whitley, long time resident of Fredonia, Kansas, died Thursday, August 15, 2019, at her home. Donna was born January 15, 1925 at Benedict, Kansas, the daughter of Homer and Lois (Scott) Neill.

She attended and graduated from Fredonia High School in 1942. On January 20, 1945 at Wellington, Kansas, she was united in marriage to Forrest Whitley. He preceded her in death on April 14, 2001.

In addition to being a homemaker, Donna worked at Cessna during World War II welding airplane cowlings. As the war was winding down, she worked at Self Service Grocery Store. Donna also served as a bookkeeper at Western Auto and Fredonia Locker.

Donna was a member of the Fredonia Presbyterian Church, a founding member of the Fredonia Southern Baptist Church and an honorary member of the Fredonia Church of Christ.

Donna enjoyed hand quilting and crocheting. She was an avid KU and KC Royals fan and enjoyed attending the Royals games. She will be remembered for her love of Jesus.

Survivors include her children, Randy Whitley (Zoe Ann) of Bedford, Texas, Sherry (Galen) Templer of Overland Park, Kansas, Pat Whitley of Fredonia, Kansas and Susan Beauchaine of Overland Park, Kansas, sister, Karen Coatney (Bill) of Derby, Kansas. Seven grandchildren, Todd Templer, Kelly Dunbar, Sam Whitley, Caleb Whitley, Josh Beauchaine, Brandon Beauchaine and Colin Beauchaine. Six great-grandchildren, Hannah Dunbar, Levi Whitley, Colby Whitley, Dexter Whitley, Landry Whitley and Beckett Whitley.

In addition to her husband, Forrest, Donna was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law, Alan Beauchaine, and brothers, George Neill, Max Neill and Larry Neill.

Celebration of life services will be held 1:30 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2019 at the Church of Christ in Fredonia, Kansas. Visitation will be held Friday, August 23, 2019 from 10:00-11:30 A.M. at the Church of Christ.

Memorials are suggested to Shoes for Kids at Church of Christ Fredonia, Kansas and Fredonia Flag Fund. They may be left at or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 N. 7th Fredonia, Kansas 66736.