DELLINGER, Donna Lou (Sanborn) - b. May 20, 1937 - d. August 10, 2026

[patyrn]

Donna Lou Dellinger passed away on August 10, 2026, in Eureka, Kansas.  She was born on May 20, 1937, to Oremand and Helen (Sterling) Sanborn in Caney, Kansas. 

Her family moved to Howard, Kansas when she was a young child, but she and her mother returned to Caney while Ormand was in the Army during World War II.  Upon his return, the family returned to Howard where Donna graduated from Howard High School in 1955.  During her high school years, she worked at the local grocery store and assisted in daycare.

On April 2, 1955, Donna married Walter "Jerry" Dellinger at her parents' home in Howard.  When Jerry was employed at Cessna Aircraft, they relocated to Wichita, Kansas and later to Haysville, Kansas.  Throughout their sons' education, Donna was actively involved in school activities and serving as Treasurer of the PTA for multiple years.  She was always available to assist her family in every way possible.

Donna and Jerry enjoyed attending many western dances, seeing country performers, family fishing trips, and water skiing at numerous lakes throughout Oklahoma, and their cabin at Fall River Lake.  Through the years, Donna assisted with the efforts on the farm including planting and harvesting and assisting in sorting and identifying and matching cattle and calves.  After retiring and returning to Howard, she grew to enjoy the quieter pace of life in the country.

Donna is survived by her husband, Jerry; sons, Ron (Lori Hunt) Dellinger of Howard, Kansas and Phil (Debbie) of Clearfield, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Lewis "Cap" Caplan and Autumn (Charles) Drake; 8 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great grandchildren.  Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Joel. 

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to service time at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.  Burial will follow at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Howard.  Memorials in her memory have been suggested to either The Dellinger Museum, the Howard Senior Center, or Good Shepherd Hospice and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)