Donna Burns 1939-2024

Donna R. Burns, 84, of Holton, passed away Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at her home with family by her side.

She was born Dec. 16, 1939, in Whiting, the daughter of James Robert and Frances LaVella Johnson Mercer.

Donna graduated from Netawaka High School in 1957. She worked for Oldham’s Sausage Plant on the packing line, retiring after 10 years.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Good Sam’s Club, Calico Gardens and Quilt Guild.

Donna married Norman Wells on May 7, 1961; he preceded her in death on May 20, 1986, after 25 years of marriage. She married Martin Leon Burns on Oct. 17, 1988, in Miami, Okla.; he preceded her in death on Oct. 25, 2007, after 19 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her son, Larry Dean Wells, on Nov. 26, 1988; her parents, James and Frances Mercer; and a brother, James F. “Jim” Mercer.

Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Spiker (Lonnie) of Holton and Debra Burns of Topeka; a son, Rick Burns (Sherry) of Holton; a sister, Shirley Wells (Gene) of Bucklin; a brother, Charles Mercer (Nancy) of St. Joseph, Mo.; 10 grandchildren, Trent Parry (Jenna), Cortney Schrick and Sam Spiker, Mandie Culp (Matt), Dean Burns, Robyn Burns, Jessica Bowser (Nick), Jenna Patch (Eric), Janelle Schmidtline (Jason) and Jillian Roberts (Mike); 16 great-grandchildren, Bentley, Annabelle, Dayton, Huxlee, Sawyer, Reece, Addyson, Comyn, Hazel, Henry, Hayden, Landon, Derek, Liam, Clark and Logan; and many nieces, nephews and extended friends and family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)