Donna Lou Burkhalter Taynor was born on October 14, 1928, in Cheyenne County, Kansas, in a sod house on the Big Timber that she would always call home. She peacefully entered the promise of heaven on December 8, 2025, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Nebraska.

Donna attended Baker School and later graduated from Bird City High School with the Class of 1945 at the young age of 16. She furthered her education at Blair Business College in Colorado Springs, CO graduating in 1947. Following graduation, she worked at the Colorado Springs Welfare Office and volunteered at a military convalescence hospital, quietly serving others with kindness and grace.

Donna held deep and loving memories of her childhood and family life. Her father made sure that every family member had a nickname that eventually followed them throughout life, and Donna was affectionately known as “Doss.” Growing up on the family farm with two brothers and three sisters, she developed the strong work ethic, resilience, and determination that would guide her through every season of life. She loved sharing childhood stories with her grandchildren—especially the unforgettable tale of placing hot rocks in her bed during frigid winter nights to stay warm, only to awaken to frozen rocks and ice in the bedside water pitcher. It was a hard life, but a happy one.

While living in Colorado Springs, Donna met Roger Eugene Taynor, a U.S. Army ski patrol soldier from Ohio. They were united in marriage on September 24, 1949, in Colorado Springs. Following their marriage, the couple returned to the family farm outside of New Carlisle, Ohio to help Roger’s mother, Pearl Orth, who soon became a second mother to Donna. After Pearl suffered a devastating stroke, Donna became her devoted, around-the-clock caregiver for many years—one of the truest examples of her selfless love and strength.

Donna began her secretarial career in customer service at Frigidaire in Dayton, Ohio. Upon the birth of her children, she dedicated herself fully to being a homemaker. She was a devoted advocate for her family, faithfully supporting her children in every activity. As they grew older, she returned to public service as a dispatcher for the New Carlisle Police Dept, Fire Dept, and Rescue Squad.

Donna was perhaps best known for having the largest garden in the community. She spent countless hours tending to her vegetable garden, fruit trees, and flowers. Her garden was truly a sight to behold—maintained with tireless work, patience, and pride. It was not simply work, but a true labor of love. In her spare time, she also enjoyed square dancing, sewing, and ceramics.

Following Roger’s death, Donna moved to Benkelman to be near her daughters. There, she lived a quiet and peaceful life, always welcoming visits from family and treasuring every moment spent together.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Eugene Taynor; daughter, Lou Anne Vondrell; son, Brent Roger Taynor; and son-in-law, Robert Ambrosek; her father, Guy G. Burkhalter; her mother, Ivy Myrtle Farrens Burkhalter; her brothers, Albert “Bus” Burkhalter and Arthur “Dude” Burkhalter; and her sisters, Birdie “Burr” Maine, Marjorie “Mar” Westrand Lockwood, and Shirley “Toot” Warning Lyons.

Survivors include her daughters, Tina Ambrosek and Karen Lutz (husband Mickey) both of rural Dundy County; son-in-law, Bill Vondrell of Celina, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Janice Rust Taynor of Dayton, Ohio; her grandchildren, Shane Eversole of rural Dundy County, Shawn Vondrell of St. Mary’s, Ohio, Lisa Miller of Quincy, Ohio, Jeff Vondrell of Celina, Ohio, Laura Bonk of Overland Park, Kansas, April Lutz of Wichita, Kansas, and Michaela Hohwieler of Minneapolis, Minnesota; along with 18 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and dear friends.

Donna will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to family, her quiet strength, her generous heart, her tireless work ethic, and for the countless lives she touched through compassion, service, and love.

A private graveside service and a celebration of Donna’s life will be held in the spring with family and friends. Details will be announced at a later date.