Donna Honas

Donna Honas, age 82, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Ellis. She was born on November 24, 1942, in Hays, Kansas, to John and Margaret "Marge" (Strohmeier) Luea.

A lifelong resident of the Ellis area, Donna graduated from Ellis High School in 1960. Shortly after, on July 30, 1960, she married the love of her life, Norbert Honas, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and community.

Donna was a dedicated homemaker and a woman of many talents. Her first job after marriage was as a receptionist for Dr. Lyle Timmons. Later, she served as a teacher's aide at St. Mary's School and retired from Wheelchairs of Kansas, where she worked as a skilled seamstress.

Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, Donna was a devoted member of St. Mary's Church, where she participated actively in parish life. She served on the liturgy committee, and as a lector and Eucharistic minister. She was also a proud member of the Ellis Daughters of Isabella.

Donna's warm spirit and creativity were evident in the many quilts she lovingly made for family and friends. She found joy in flower gardening and cherished traveling the United States with Norbert. Her morning coffee visits with friends were a treasured ritual, and her home was always open to loved ones.

Above all, Donna was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was admired for her quick wit, steady guidance, and unwavering support. She was a positive role model whose presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Norbert; her children, Andrea Zody and husband John of Ellis, Jeffrey Honas and wife Michella of Aurora, Nebraska, and Keith Honas and wife Diana of Ellis; her brother, Gary Luea and wife Shyrl of Ellis; grandchildren, Magdalen King and husband Garrett of Hays, Olivia Zody and special friend Ajay Marshall of Ellis, Jordan Honas and wife Katelyn of Aurora, Todd Honas and fiancée Mikaela Janes of Omaha, Megan Honas of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Ethan Honas of Omaha, Nebraska; great-grandchildren, Jayce Honas, Eliza Honas, Alexander, Ethan, and Isabella King.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Joseph and Mark; her brother, Larry Luea and wife Sybil; a great-granddaughter, Lily Honas; and her cherished fur baby, Benji.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 9, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be on Sunday, June 8, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Mary's Church, with a combined rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM.

Memorials can be made to St. Mary’s School, Ellis, KS.

Arrangements are in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th, Ellis, KS 67637.

Memories and messages of comfort may be shared on Donna's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com