Donna Sue Winders

Donna Sue Winders, age 86, of Polo, MO, passed away Saturday evening, March 9, 2019, at home surrounded by her loving family. Donna was born on July 26, 1932, the daughter of Harley and Auburn (Watson) Means in Springfield. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at a young age. 

In addition to being a housewife and mother, she worked at Hallmark Cards for over 20 years, drove a school bus for Harman & Sons in Kansas City, and worked at Prewitt Ostrich Farm near Polo.

Donna was a member of the Knoxville Community Church and on Dec. 4, 2003, she was united in marriage to George Winders there. Her family describes her as little and spunky, but the strongest woman they knew. Donna was a strong woman of faith; dedicated to God, family, church and friends. She enjoyed reading, painting, playing cards, and watching the Royals and Chiefs. She was a rescuer of animals and people. Donna loved animals and her coffee. She was a mother and grandmother to many and a friend to all. Donna would send cards daily to people that she knew were having a birthday or anniversary. Her family describes this as a card ministry. She will be dearly missed by her family, church family, friends and community. 

Mrs. Winders was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Bud Means and John Means; son, Jay Gardner; daughter in-law, Kathleen Gardner; sister in-law, Nancy Means; niece, Melanie Means; grandsons Jim Gillis and Jesse Gillis; granddaughters, Morgan Gardner and Mallory Gardner; and nephew, Paul Means.

Those left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life include her husband, George; four sons, Jerry (Marilyn) Gardner, Chick (Ashley) Culton, Mark (Pat) Culton, and Pat (Darice) Gardner; four daughters, Karen (Keith) Reece, Terry (Butch) Groom, Ladonna (Don) Kersten, and Amy (Keith) Carr; grandson she raised, Shannon Gardner, and granddaughter she raised, Sarah Readyhough; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; other extended family and many friends.    

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2019, at Knoxville Community Church. A memorial service will be held at the church on Thursday at 11 a.m. following the visitation. Friends may call after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow the service at Prairie Ridge Cemetery west of Polo. A meal will be given at the Knoxville Church Fellowship Hall after the cemetery services for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Knoxville Community Church, Liberty Hospital Hospice or Wayside Waifs, in loving memory of Donna Sue Winders in care of Stith Family Funeral Home.

Arrangements are entrusted to Stith Family Funeral Home in Polo. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com.

(paid obituary)

The Caldwell County News

101 South Davis
P.O. Box 218
Hamilton, MO 64644
Phone: 816-583-2116
news@mycaldwellcounty.com

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