Donna Ruth Evans

Donna Ruth Evans passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 15, 2023.  

Donna was born in Independence, Missouri on May 17, 1937 to Douglas and Grace Goins.  She is preceded in death by her parents and two younger brothers, Bob and Richard Goins.  

Donna graduated from Central High School in Kansas City, Missouri in the spring of 1955.  On August 7th, 1955 she married her husband of 68 years, Al Evans. 

Together Al and Donna had five daughters; Patty, Lynda, Debbie, Deanna and Susan.  Six grandchildren; Emily, Kayla, Stacey, Stephanie, Phillip, and Olivia.   And nine great grandchildren; Dustin, Julian, Robbie, Noah, Wyatt, Raelyn, Kelsey, Avery and Matilda. 

As a working woman and entrepreneur there was little Donna couldn’t do.  She owned and operated The Attic Mouse Christian Book Store, while simultaneously running the daily business of Evans Plumbing and raising five daughters.  Even after she retired she opened Apples and Gingerbread Bed and Breakfast out of their beautiful home in Bates City, Missouri.  

Donna and Al were active members for many years at Rockwood Baptist Church in Independence, MO and later in life found a new home at Oak Grove Baptist Church.  Donna taught and attended Sunday school, organized Vacation Bible School and was quick to fix funeral potatoes whenever needed.  Al and Donna traveled and enjoyed many trips around the country with their church group, The Elderberries.  Donna lived a life devoted to God and her family.  She gave grace to those around her and always offered a helping hand to anyone in need.   

Donna could often be found in her garden, in the kitchen making cinnamon rolls, or cuddled up with a good book.  She loved all things Christmas, the word shit, and more than anything, her family.  Donna was the definition of a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma.  

Her passing leaves her family both saddened and relieved.  Saddened to imagine life carrying on without her, and relieved she is at peace in Heaven, and that her suffering is gone.