Donna Sue Winders

Donna Sue Winders - age 86 of Polo, MO passed away Saturday evening, March 9th, 2019 at home surrounded by her loving family. Donna was born on July 26th, 1932 the daughter of Harley and Auburn (Watson) Means in Springfield, MO. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at a young age.  In addition to being a housewife and mother she worked at Hallmark Cards for over 20 years, drove a school bus for Harman & Sons in Kansas City and worked at Prewitt Ostrich Farm near Polo. Donna was a member of the Knoxville Community Church and on December 4th, 2003 she was united in marriage to George Winders there.  Her family describes her as little and spunky, but the strongest woman they knew.  Donna was a strong woman of faith; dedicated to God, family, church and friends.  She enjoyed reading, painting, playing cards, watching the Royals and Chiefs.  She was a rescuer of animals and people. Donna loved animals and her coffee.  She was a mother and grandmother to many and a friend to all.  Donna would send cards daily to people that she knew were having a birthday or anniversary.  Her family describes this as a card ministry.  She will be dearly missed by her family, church family, friends and community. 

Mrs. Winders was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Bud Means; brother, John Means; son, Jay Gardner; daughter in-law, Kathleen Gardner; sister in-law, Nancy Means; niece, Melanie Means; grandson, Jim Gillis; grandson, Jesse Gillis; granddaughter, Morgan Gardner; granddaughter, Mallory Gardner and nephew, Paul Means. Those left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life include: husband, George; son, Jerry (Marilyn) Gardner; son, Chick (Ashley) Culton; son, Mark (Pat) Culton; son, Pat (Darice) Gardner; daughter, Karen (Keith) Reece; daughter, Terry (Butch) Groom; daughter, Ladonna (Don) Kersten; daughter, Amy (Keith) Carr; grandson she raised, Shannon Gardner; granddaughter she raised, Sarah Readyhough; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; other extended family and many friends.    

Visitation: 10 AM to 11 AM Thursday, March 14th, 2019 at Knoxville Community Church. 

Memorial service: 11 AM Thursday, March 14th, 2019 at Knoxville Community Church. 

Inurnment to follow at Prairie Ridge Cemetery west of Polo.

Meal to follow cemetery services at the Knoxville Church Fellowship Hall for family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Knoxville Community Church, Liberty Hospital Hospice or Wayside Waifs in loving memory of Donna Sue Winders in care of the funeral home.

Friends may call after 9:00 AM Wednesday at the funeral home.  Arrangements entrusted to Stith Family Funeral Home in Polo. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.