Donna Rae Skouse

Our beloved wife, mom, and grandma passed away peacefully at home on December 4, 2025, surrounded by her family. Donna was a naturally loving and gracious woman who devoted her life to caring for others. From her family to her patients, her friends to her church community—and even perfect strangers—if someone needed nurturing, Donna was there.

Donna was born on June 24, 1950, in Fremont, Nebraska, to Ernest Ray and Ann Marie Mueller. She was the second daughter and sibling to her older sister, Maureen Champion; younger brothers, Dan and Ray Mueller; and youngest sister, Lynette Yancey. Donna was a ballet enthusiast from an early age, faithfully attending classes until a fall on the ice left her with a broken leg. During her hospital stay, she discovered the spark that would become her lifelong calling. Once healed, she eagerly signed up as a candy striper, marking the beginning of her journey in caring for others.

Donna attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her natural instinct to care for others became a profession she dedicated herself to for 40 years. During her time at MU, she formed lasting friendships. She also proudly represented the university in the Miss Missouri Pageant, dazzling the crowd with her grace and skill on the balance beam.

Donna met the love of her life, John Skouse, on a blind date at Lake Jacomo the summer before her senior year at Truman High School in Independence, Missouri. They attended MU together and married in 1971. They were later blessed with three beautiful children: Brian, Jenny, and Katie. Their love story is difficult to encapsulate in words—it was truly one for the ages. Together, they built a warm and lively home, balanced their careers, traveled often, spent countless weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks, and always found time for each other. When Donna was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, John became not only her devoted husband but also her caregiver. In a beautiful irony, John became the nurse and Donna the patient, and their love only deepened throughout her final years.

Throughout her 40-year nursing career, Donna worked in five hospitals. She began at the Kansas City VA Hospital in the medical/surgical unit. She then worked at Independence Regional Medical Center. She briefly stepped away from nursing to help John run his family’s business, but the call to care for patients soon brought her back. Later, at Research Hospital, she helped create “Careful Kids,” a traveling puppet program that taught children about safety. She worked in the post-op unit at Research Medical Center, later transitioning to the GI Lab at Menorah Medical Center. There, she not only worked full-time but also served as president of the nurses’ union, advocating passionately for the rights and safety of her fellow nurses. Donna completed her career in the GI Lab at St. Luke’s East Hospital, returning as a volunteer after retirement. Her love for nursing inspired both of her daughters to pursue careers in healthcare.

In her later years, Donna cherished the addition of her seven grandchildren. Brian and his wife, Paige, added Andrew, Abby, and Lucas; Jenny added Riley and Landon Voll; and Katie welcomed Amelia and Kirin Choe. Grandma was always ready with coloring books, puzzles, hugs, and enthusiastic cheers from the sidelines and auditorium seats. The grandchildren were drawn to her for hugs and giggles.

Caring for Mom over the past fifteen years taught us the true meaning of unconditional love as we walked with her through each stage of her illness. She made caring for her easy, as she had spent her life caring so deeply for others. Even as her memory faded, her kindness, sweetness, and gentle spirit remained. She showed us—through her life and through her illness—how to love and be loved.

There are not enough words to thank Mom for the love and life she gave us. We know she is now free of her disease, likely caring for everyone she can find in Heaven—and probably doing a little shopping, one of her lifelong joys. She will always be with us, in the ways we continue to love and care for one another. Until we meet again, Donna—Mom—Grandma. You are forever loved and forever missed.

A memorial visitation will be held for Donna Skouse on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, Missouri. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM. Donations in Donna’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Heart of America Chapter, at the link below.

 https://donorservices.alz.org/page/FUNEQJZXKKT?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_dm_google_alz_select&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19692520985&gbraid=0AAAAAD8nX1rTWcarix_QKols53IhtZr_1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6NTJBhDEARIsAB7QHD0Y39GN5GuFnpgEQ9Tf_qOkuJYZy7hGGQswxofU4vp9ZWj5FklASS4aAuSCEALw_wcB