Donna Jean Chapman Banaka

Angels came and escorted Donna Jean Banaka, 70, to her new heavenly home on April 25, 2013, releasing her from a courageous battle with Peritonei cancer. Donna was born June 22, 1942 in Dallas, TX to parents Anna (Engelmann) and Milton Chapman. Her father was a union construction worker and moved to Kansas City near the end of WWII. She was educated in the Kansas City public school system and graduated from Westport High School in 1960. After graduation, she married Troy Kirkland and they moved to California. Three children were born to this marriage. Troy was a career member of the U.S. Navy, so they moved from station to station. She knew the value of a good education so she continued taking classes to improve her employment opportunities.

Donna moved back to Kansas City in 1986 with her daughter. Her father was in declining health and she felt she could help. She was hired by Center School District to work in the business office in accounts payable.

Donna and Gene while working at Center, met, dated, fell in love, and married and lived 25 years together.

Her priorities were always to her family, loved ones and her work. She was loyal, a hard and dedicated worker. Her entire life was centered around her family. She is survived by her mother Anna, brother Bill, husband Gene, son Jon and spouse Cris, grandson Austin, son Paul, spouse Natalie of San Francisco, daughter Annith, spouse Todd and granddaughters Ashleigh and Kaitlyn of Belton, Gene’s daughters Lea and Allison, son-in-law Bill, three grandsons and spouses, and four great-grandchildren.

A special thank you to fellow Terrace Lake Methodist member for their prayers and food, also another special thank you to Grace Hospice for their outstanding care provided.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 29, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. No flowers please. Donations could be given to the Center Education Foundation, 8701 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131.