Donnis June Perme

Donnis and her family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, when she was about 3 years old. She attended Southeast High School where she met the love of her life, Paul Richard Perme. Donnis and Paul were married on 16 May 1952 and spent the next 70 years side by side.

Donnis took great pride in managing a growing family that quickly included five children. In the early years, Donnis did whatever was required, including taking in laundry and babysitting, to help provide for the family while Paul attended dental school and worked nights at the Post Office.

Donnis and Paul spent two years in Madison, Wisconsin where Paul served as an Air Force Officer, before settling in Belton, Missouri and eventually in Leawood and Overland Park, Kansas.

Donnis and Paul were active travelers, exploring the American west and national parks with their children on many family trips. She loved Table Rock Lake, spending long hours with Paul and the children swimming and skiing. Later in life Donnis and Paul enjoyed halibut fishing in Alaska, skiing in Colorado, playing bagpipes in Scotland, cruising several rivers through Europe, attending theatre performances in both New York and Chicago, and always returning to the natural beauty of Montana, New Mexico, Colorado and beyond.

As the mother of 5 active kids, Donnis and Paul never missed an athletic event, school play, Christmas program, or horse show. She was scout leader, cheer sponsor, and party hostess. Donnis was a natural horsewoman and had never been without a dog. Whether it was one of the many dogs, horses, guinea pigs, or injured birds, she welcomed the opportunity to teach her kids to be kind and responsible stewards of their charges.

Donnis’ drive and talents led her to excel in her chosen endeavors. She was a master seamstress and cook, but also a talented snow skier and performer. Always looking to challenge herself, after her Donnis entered the theatre program at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, after her children had left home. At UMKC, Donnis’ natural talents in the fine arts flourished. She studied stagecraft, acting and gravitated toward studying Russian culture and language, leading to her earning her BFA, graduating with honors. Her continued fascination with Russian folklore and the evolution of politics in Soviet theatre prompted Donnis to learn the language and complete her MFA in Russian Theatre.

Drawing on her training, drive, and independent streak, Donnis began her own company, Butterfly Productions, in 1992. For the next 15 years, Donnis toured the U.S as a professional storyteller, engaging and engrossing countless audiences from school children to corporate leaders.

Donnis performed stories from dozens of cultural and ethnic origins, but especially connected to Native American folklore and traditions, and she was honored to accept several invitations to perform on reservations.

Donnis was an active and involved grandmother, always celebrating achievements and providing love and support. Both her children and grandchildren will always remember Christmas mornings, Easter egg hunts, bunny cakes, gingerbread men, pots and pans on New Year’s Eve and her distinct voice telling stories, singing happy birthday and letting them know how special they were.

Donnis is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, Paul Perme of Overland Park, KS; four children, Penny Harzi (Salah Harzi) of Stillwell, KS; Peggy Stewart (Bobby Stewart) of Shell Knob, MO; Paula Kramer (Paul Kramer) of Merriam, KS; and Perri Yinger (Andrew Yinger) of Dundee, OR, along with eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son Peter Perme (Vickie Perme).

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday November 28, 2022 at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114.

Memorial Contributions may be made in her honor to Wayside Waifs (link below).