Donna D. Elson

Donna was born on August 28, 1955, in Wichita, KS, to Larry DeLanty and Edith (Root) Conley.

One of Donna’s greatest joys began early in life—she met the love of her life, Jim, at West Acres Bowling Alley when they were just 12 years old. Though their paths went separate ways for a time, they found their way back to one another and were married on December 12, 1981, at Broadway Christian Church in Wichita, KS.

Donna earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and proudly served the Wichita Police Department for 30 years, specializing in Crime Scene Investigation. Her dedication, integrity, and expertise were widely respected throughout the department. In 2003, she attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, an accomplishment she held with great pride. Over the course of her career, Donna received a multitude of awards recognizing her outstanding service and commitment to her community.

Donna had a passion for life that was infectious She loved her Packers so much that she became a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers. She was a lover of her basset hounds, and over the years cared for many—most recently her beloved Rosebud and Lambeau James. She treasured time with her grandchildren and had a special gift for bringing people together. Whether with family, neighbors, or friends, Donna created community wherever she went. Her laughter filled every room, and if you were with her, you were laughing too.

She is survived by her loving husband, James Elson; her son Steven (Christin) Elson; and her cherished grandchildren, Brody and Emily Elson. She is also survived by her siblings Debra (Greg) Koch, Terry (Janet) DeLanty, and Denise (Bart) Harris, along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Larry DeLanty and Edith (Root) Conley.

A visitation will be held at Resthaven Mortuary, located at 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS, 67209, on December 8, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm the following day.

The funeral service is scheduled for December 9, 2025, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 842 N Tyler Rd, Wichita, KS, 67212, at 1:00 pm.

A committal service will take place at Resthaven Mortuary & Gardens of Memory, 11800 US-54, Wichita, KS, 67209, on December 9, 2025, following the service.