OBITUARY: Donna McAnulty

Harvey County Now

Donna Reve McAnulty was born on a farm in Butler County on June 16, 1933. Her parents were Hugh and Flossie Westervelt. Donna was the youngest of six children. The family later moved to town in Leon, Kansas, where she attended school, was a cheerleader and graduated from Leon High School. She died on Sept. 21, 2022.

She worked several years at Beech Aircraft before going to work in the office at Conoco in Wichita. This is where she met her husband, Mel McAnulty. They were married on Aug. 31, 1962, in Hutchinson, Kansas. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with all of the family present. They were the parents of four sons: Mark, Brett, Todd and Barry.

While raising their sons, Donna first worked as a secretary for Lloyd Smith, owner of S/V Tools and then later as an administrative assistant to Bob Bunting at Bunting Magnetics in Newton. Upon retirement on Jan. 1, 1997, Mel and Donna enjoyed taking annual six-week vacations for 12 years to San Diego, California.

Donna was a very active mother and community volunteer over the years. She was in charge of the kitchen at First Presbyterian Church, which provided many meals for the congregation and special gatherings at the church. She organized and catered the annual Holiday Affair women’s luncheon for many years and always received accolades for her ability to pull off this event. She also was in charge of the gift shop at the Presbyterian Manor in Newton and helped with the Apple Blossom Festival for many years. Donna was named Newton Woman of the Year in 2001 and was an active member of the local P.E.O. chapter.

Donna loved to entertain friends and family. She was noted for the outstanding meals she provided at their annual Memorial Day brunch at their home for approximately 20 years, hosting an average of 50 to 60 guests. Donna will be missed by all.

Survivors include her husband, Mel McAnulty of the home; son, Mark (Cindy) McAnulty of Newton; daughter-in-law, Karen of Newton; son, Todd (Penny) McAnulty of Newton; son, Barry (Janene) McAnulty of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by her son, Brett, and her parents and siblings Ralph, Leona, Don, Jim, and Ina Mae.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Permanent Endowment Fund, First Presbyterian Church, Newton.

 

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