Donna Gwendolyn Sutherland

On Sept 1, 2026, Donna went home to be with our Lord. Donna passed peacefully at home at the age of 91.

Donna was the first of eight children born to Dwight and Mary Hurshman. Donna was born in Independence, MO, was a member of the RLDS church and graduated from William Chrisman High School class of 1953.  Donna married her high school sweetheart Jack Sutherland in 1953.

Donna gave birth to two sons, Jack and Toby and five daughters; Michelle, Teresa, Sandra, Stephanie and Debra.

Jack and Donna later divorced leaving her all the responsibilities of raising her family on her own. In 1970 Donna entered the job market and landed a job with Kansas City Power and Light (KCPL). Donna retired from KCPL in 1994.

Donna was able to mold her children into a loving, caring close-knit family. She had unique and separate relationships with each one of her children, while loving each one with her whole heart. This is such a rare quality and what we’ll miss the most about Donna, the sister, the Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Aunt, Friend, and always the perfect neighbor.

Donna loved her family first and foremost in her life. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed traveling to various matches across this beautiful country she loved, with sisters Patricia Snedeger and Evelyn (Ebby) Hall, and brother Dean Hurshman and wife Kay. She later traveled to Germany with daughter Michelle to visit son, Jack Sutherland, and wife Kris while they were stationed there with the USAF. If it involved family she was ready to go, didn’t matter where or when. Donna was the glue that cemented families together through several generations of children.

After family, Donna loved her home and everything surrounding it. She had most every kind of flower and blooming plant one can imagine. Her yard was more like a botanical garden, and she enjoyed working in it every day.

Donna loved every occasion that brought her family together. Watching her grandchildren grow was a great joy to her. Especially Christmas’ and Michelle’s bonfires, where all the families got together and enjoyed and loved one another. Donna was so loved by everyone that knew her.

Donna was the most courageous, strong, loving, caring and gentle woman I ever had the privilege of knowing. With great pride we had the privilege to call her Mom, the rock and anchor of our family. We will miss her and remember her with the deepest affection of love and gratitude.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents Dwight and Mary Hurshman, brothers Bill Hurshman, Dean Hurshman and David Hurshman. Sisters Evelyn (Ebby) Hall and Patricia (Pat) Snedeger. Eldest son, Jack Sutherland and daughter Michelle Brown.

Donna is survived by her son Toby Sutherland, daughters Teresa Sutherland, Sandra Southworth, Stephanie Rieder and Debra Kinney. Along with nineteen grandchildren and thirty-three great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life for Donna will take place at 3:00 PM on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, located at 18020 E 39th St S, Independence, MO 64055.

Donna was blessed to have her family surround her and demonstrate their love for her during her last months on this earth. A true testimony to the life she led.

The family wishes to express deepest gratitude to St. Luke's Hospice and Hallmark Home Care for their exceptional care of Donna.