She was a well-known community member since moving to Adrian in 1970. Donna was a Girl Scout and Brownie leader for many years while her daughters were young. She worked with Red at Deems Farm Equipment and retired in 2002.
She never missed working an election after retiring. She would jokingly say, “this is the only paying job I have”. Donna also served the community by assisting with Meals on Wheels, driving the Senior Taxi and volunteering at the Adrian Community Library every Friday afternoon. For thirteen years, Donna was a member of the Adrian Elks Lodge, served as treasurer and cooked more than her fair share of tenderloins. Donna rarely missed church on Sunday, and Monday nights were spent playing bingo with her friends whom she cherished like family.
Donna’s wonderful cooking abilities, loving smile and laughter will always be remembered by her family and friends. Her door and heart were always open to help anyone in need. Each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren knew Granny’s garage door code, hidden candy stashes, her love of reading, expert skills at crossword puzzles and addiction to Avon.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John W. “Red” Jones and one brother, Jesse Cain. Donna’s surviving family includes: two daughters; Delia Yates (Randy) of Adrian and Erin Tharp (Jeff) of Harrisonville, two sisters; Barbara Thomas of Butler and Lou Graham of Belton. She had four grandchildren; Josh Yates (Keisha) of Adrian, Jonathan Tharp (Jakob) of Grandview, Chelsey Cates (Bob) of Urich and Jason Tharp (Courtney) of Belton, five great grandchildren: Kristian, Brayden, Bentlie, Kooper and Sophia of Adrian and nieces and nephews. Donna’ celebration of life will be held at the Adrian United Methodist Church on her birthday, Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 10am. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 9, 2022 between 6 and 8pm.
The family is requesting donations to the Adrian Community Library and Adrian United Methodist Church.
