Donna Joan Bether, 91, just 11 days before her 92nd birthday, passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community. She was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Floyd L. and Emma (Schrader) Dean. She was a graduate of Hutchinson High School. On February 26, 1950, she married John Riley Bether. John and Donna had three children, John Wayne, Terry Allen, and Beth Ellen.
In her younger years, Donna worked at the 14th and Main Street Dillons store and later at Meschke’s Menswear and Long’s Clothing in downtown Hutchinson. She enjoyed providing good service and a smiling face to every customer.
Donna and John lived in the country just outside of Nickerson for many years, and after that, for the last 17 years, Donna lived in Independent Living at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community in Buhler where she made many dear friends and kept her candy dish filled for visitors. Donna enjoyed life. Friday mornings weren’t complete unless she visited with her friends and had breakfast at the Mustard Seed in Buhler. She loved watching old westerns on television, and never missed a K.C. Royals or Chiefs game. Family celebrations were not complete until Grandma arrived to join the fun. She adored all children and doted on her own children, their families, her grand, great-grand, and great-great grandchildren.
Survivors include sons John and wife Nancy, Terry and wife Terri, and daughter, Beth Bether; grandchildren, Heather Starks (Jeremy), Joshua Bether, Jennifer Nugent (Michael), Michael Bether (Rebecca); great-grandchildren, Kaeci (Tyler), Zak, Baelie, Madison, James, Micah, Ryanne, and Nathan; great-great grandchildren, Mason, Ayden, and Josie. Donna is also survived by many nieces and nephews and sister-in-law, Flo Crump.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband John Riley of 57 years, her parents, her brother, Floyd A. (Bub) Dean, and grandson, Jason Riley Bether.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community Chapel. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, August 22, at Buhler Mortuary. In thanksgiving for the tender care given to Donna, in lieu of flowers, the family invites memorials to Good Shepherd Hospice or Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, both in care of the Buhler Mortuary, PO Box 589, Buhler, KS 67522.