Donna Lou Ellyn (Pepper) Elder, 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City following a brief illness.
Donna Lou, or “Nonny” as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren, was born May 15, 1938, in Lakin, Kan., to Don and Vera Pepper.
On Nov. 22, 1959, she married the love of her life Pat Elder in Johnson. He preceded her in death on April 29, 1995. Donna and Pat raised three daughters, Lynn, Lori and Lona.
Donna Lou was a graduate of Fort Hays State College and taught elementary school for 49 years, all but one of those years in the Leoti school district. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of
Leoti.
She was a tremendous sports fan, especially KU basketball and all Big 12 football and basketball. She often told stories about working as a scorekeeper during Leoti
basketball games. She enjoyed cross-stitching and all hand crafts, but
her greatest joy was her family.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Christensen; two brothers, LaVere Pepper and Weyland Pepper; and a nephew, Allyn Pepper.
Survivors include her daughter Lynn Blau and husband Stan of Leoti; her daughter Lona DuVall of Garden City; a son-in-law, Leif Christensen of Leoti; a brother, Clifford Pepper of Liberal; five grandchildren, Adam Blau and wife Mel of Scott City, Hunter Carson and wife Rachel of Garden City, Lars Christensen of Anthony, Kan., Leighlyn Shifflett and husband Reagan of Hinesville, Ga., and Abigayle Blau of Hays; and four great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Blau, Maverick Shifflett, Garrett Shifflett, and Easton Shifflett.
Cremation was chosen. There will be no visitation. Garnand Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Funeral Services will be announced at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Finney County Humane Society, 124 N. Fleming St., Garden City KS, 67846.