Donna Sue Gildersleeve, 62, of Falls City, passed away July 10, 2021 in Falls City. She was born April 7, 1959 in Falls City to Don and Janis (Holmes) Larkin.
She met her husband, Joe Gildersleeve, in 1980 in Hiawatha KS while working at Flair Fold. They were married on June 25, 1983. They just celebrated their 38th anniversary in June.
Donna was raised in Falls City. She graduated from Falls City High School in 1977.
Donna worked as a waitress for her parents at The Wright Place restaurant inside Hotel Stephenson, for many years in the 1990’s. She then became a homemaker and full-time caregiver for her daughter, Ali.
To this marriage, two children were born. Ali Michelle and Colton Lee. Ali passed away in 2020.
Donna loved her family wholeheartedly. She always enjoyed being with her family. She loved to play cards and board games and she was always very competitive. She enjoyed playing bingo and bowling. She loved spending time with her husband, Joe. Whether it was going for a drive or just being together at home, those were times she treasured the most.
She is survived by her husband, Joe, of Falls City, her son, Colton Gildersleeve and his wife Katie of Falls City, sister, Debi Johansen of Joplin, MO, grandsons, Xavier and Baron Gildersleeve of Falls City, in-laws, Wilfred and Peggy Gildersleeve of Falls City and Viola Schroff of St. Joe, MO, brother-in-law, Randy Gildersleeve of St Joe, MO, her special niece, Heather Mitchell of Joplin, Mo, and Gretchen Courtney of Coral Springs, FL, her “2nd” son, Zach Hall of Nebraska City, family friend, Julie Boatman of Falls City, many special friends and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Donna was preceded in death by her daughter, Ali and her parents, Don and Janis Larkin.
Per Donna’s wishes, there will be no viewing or visitation. A graveside memorial service and inurnment will be at Steele Cemetery for family and friends on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM with Tim Campbell officiating.
