Donna Ruth McEntee (née Abell) completed her earthly mission and gained her much deserved eternal rest on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024. Surrounded at home by her husband of 55 years and her three daughters, she passed peacefully after one last taste of a Lamar’s glazed donut.

Born March 17, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri to J. Donald and Henrietta (née Beverung) Abell, she was the oldest of five children. Donna attended Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in 1967.

Donna met her future husband, John, on August 1, 1964. The two married on December 27, 1968. She loved to tell the story about leaving the next morning in her houndstooth suit from Harzfeld’s while driving their brand new Volkswagen Beetle. And leaving not for a honeymoon, but to travel to San Diego where John was stationed in the United States Navy.

After returning to Kansas City in late 1969, Donna obtained her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1972. And practical she was! Fastidious too! Donna made raising four children look easy. She never had a hair out of place and would not dare leave the house without makeup or earrings (despite the fact she had virtually no wrinkles at age 75). Fondly referred to as “The Warden” by her children, the house ran like a well-oiled machine. Every day she made sure everyone was dressed (in perfectly ironed clothes), fed (dinner at 5PM sharp), bathed (and wearing proper pajamas) and, most importantly, in bed by 8PM. It was at that time Donna would finally take a breath. Coca-Cola in hand, she would relax for a few moments before preparing for the next day, but not before checking out what was selling on QVC.

While Donna excelled as a wife and mother, she found her true calling when she got the new name of “Mamaw.” Doting over her seven grandchildren gave her pure joy. She delighted in meeting their every need…and a few of their wants. She was at her finest when her “babies” were nearby. Mamaw loved to throw parties, there wasn’t a holiday that passed without her planning a get-together.

In addition to caring for her family, Donna spent 32 years at John Knox Village caring for those in their last days. She had a profound desire to help others and carried that out as a nurse; always with a smile on her face. Despite her nursing training, Donna firmly believed almost any ailment could be cured by Coca-Cola, a McDonald’s cheeseburger, Hershey’s chocolate and Lamar’s donuts – never at the same time unless it was a real emergency. Her grandchildren fully supported these cures.

A great dancer, Donna was always ready when Motown came on, even finding enough energy in her last days to groove to Sam Cooke with her son. She loved music and may have blown a speaker or two in her car while jamming to Stevie Nicks, Anita Baker, or Bruno Mars. Donna also loved to read and spent time teaching illiterate adults how to do the same. She excelled at decorating and always had her home ready to welcome guests, or Good Housekeeping if they ever showed up for photographs.

She was preceded in death by her father. Donna is survived by her 100-year-old mother Henrietta of Olathe, Kansas; husband John of the home; children Kimberly Larsen (Richard) of Lee’s Summit, Elizabeth Miller of Greenwood; John McEntee, Jr. (Miranda Bishara) of Leawood, Kansas; and, Bridget Caton (Joshua) of Lee’s Summit; grandchildren Ella, Abigail, Amelia, Eva, Elena, Luke, and Joshua Jr. She is also survived by brothers Joseph Abell (Leila) of Lee’s Summit; Jimmy Abell of Lee’s Summit; and, Jeffrey Abell (Cynthia) of Kansas City; sister Paula Allegri (Samuel) of Kansas City; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Just like her father, she was a special woman who will always be remembered by her family, friends, and loved ones as a woman of her word with a great sense of humor, integrity, and a hard work ethic. While all who loved her will miss her deeply, she would tell us to keep something in mind: that she is fine, in paradise, and will see us soon. The always practical Donna used to say “Don’t pray for rosier paths, pray for sturdier shoes.” Until we see you again, we will put on our hiking boots.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Services will be held Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 SW 150 Highway in Lee’s Summit, MO. Visitation at 9AM with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice. The family sends its appreciation to the men and women of the St. Luke’s Health System for their spectacular care and wonderful providers of Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care.

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