Donna L. Schemenauer

Donna L. Schemenauer, 85, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Donna was born December 19, 1937 in Sedalia, Missouri, the daughter of Asa and Ruby Chambers. She attended Horace Mann Elementary School and graduated from Smith Cotton High School in 1955. While working as a secretary after graduation, Donna met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Schemenauer, an airman stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base. They were married on April 27, 1957 and soon began their family.

Donna was a busy and involved mother and a devoted wife. While raising their children, Donna volunteered in her children’s schools, and held a variety of offices in the PTAs over the years. She was a Girl Scout Leader, a youth cheerleader sponsor, and an active member of the NCO Wives’ Club. Donna was an avid bowler and bowled in several leagues throughout the years, making numerous friends along the way. Donna worked for the Missouri Women’s Bowling Association and planned and directed several state bowling tournaments. She was the editor of a monthly newsletter for the Women’s Writers Bowling Association and served as secretary/treasurer of this organization. as well as a member of the National Women Bowling Writers. She won both state and national awards for her writing. Donna was inducted into the Missouri State Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1995. Donna was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church.

Donna enjoyed traveling with Bob, cheering on the Chiefs and Royals, sewing, working puzzles, playing cards, and shopping. Her one true passion was family. Spending time with family and friends was always a pleasurable priority.

Donna is survived by her children; Juli (Vince) Miller of Columbia, David (Kelly) Schemenauer of Parkville, Jodie (Alan) Jackson of Independence, and Doug (Amy) Schemenauer of Parkville; grandchildren Joel (Erin) Whitworth, Jonathan (Joyce) Whitworth, Jillian Whitworth, Alec (Shannon) Schemenauer, Adam (Elida) Schemenauer, Marie (Dustyn) Jackson, Allison Jackson, Marisa Jackson, Annie Jackson, Meg Schemenauer, and Wade Schemenauer; step-grandchildren Sean Miller, Stephen (Allison) Miller, and Skylar (Casey) Miller; and great-grandchildren William Whitworth, Copper Whitworth, Claire Whitworth, Hannah Whitworth, George Whitworth, and Bowen Schemenauer; and step-great grandchildren Layla Miller, Reagan Petty, Rowan Miller, Cade Bohm, and Grady Bohm; brother William Chambers of Sedalia, Missouri, and numerous nieces nephews, extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert G. Schemenauer and her parents, Asa and Ruby Chambers.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Tiffany Springs Senior Living and Ascend Hospice for taking such good care of Donna.  She was treated with compassion, dignity, and kindness.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 29 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Independence with Reverend James Taranto officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am preceding the funeral services. Inurnment will follow at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s honor to St. Mark Catholic Church.