Donna Crawford

Donna Mae Crawford (Schultz), 91, died peacefully on the 2nd day of January, 2023, in Topeka, Kansas. A Celebration of her Life will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Mount Hope Cemetery & Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604. The family will greet friends following the service until noon at Mount Hope. Private burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery. Donna's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here.


Donna was born May 3, 1931 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Donald and Erma Schultz (Board). She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jean Theissen (Darell) of Oklahoma City. Donna grew up in Mankato, Minnesota, where she attended school and earned a degree in elementary education from Mankato State College. She met the love of her life and beloved husband of 72 years, Richard Crawford, at a high school dance. They were married in Mankato on December 31, 1950, but lived in several other cities during the early years of their marriage, Bloomington IN, Pittsburgh PA, Mansfield OH, Springfield MA, and Owatonna MN, before settling in Topeka in 1968. Dick and Donna celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary shortly before her death. He survives her at their home in Topeka.

Donna shared her time and talents with others wherever she lived, and developed friendships she maintained for life. In Topeka, Donna was active in the Mulvane Art Center at Washburn University, serving on its board of directors and as its president. She was a member of P.E.O. for over 50 years, holding board offices and serving as the president of her local chapter. She was active in the First Congregational Church serving on committees and as co-leader of its high school youth group. She volunteered for the Girl Scouts of America, and was a leader of three scout troops. She volunteered for TARC for several years, organizing and leading a bowling team for young adults with developmental disabilities. She also volunteered for several years at Doorstep in Topeka. She held the office of secretary on the board of the American Companies, Inc. (American Bindery and Econo-Clad Books). In her spare time, she enjoyed painting and drawing, photography, decorating, designing, sewing and tailoring, collecting antiques, refinishing furniture, gardening, playing piano, bird watching, arranging flowers, and more.

Donna's family will remember her for being the center and guiding light of her loving home. To know her was to love her, and her family was fortunate to know her best. She is survived by her husband, Dick, and their four children, Nancy (Ray) of Lenexa, Lee (Janice) of Topeka, Jennifer McKee (Jay) of Overland Park, and Sarah Lacy (Robert) of Topeka; 11 grandchildren, granddaughters Carrie, Elaine, Katelyn, Haley, Macy, Anna, and grandsons Andrew, Nick, Alex, Mackenzie, Patrick; and six great-grandchildren, great-grandsons Jack, Charlie, Jackson, Lochlan, and great-granddaughters, Shae and Elliott.

The family wishes to acknowledge honorary family members Christine Postl-Lantmeeters, of Austria, and Karin Atergard, of Sweden, who each spent a school year living with them as high school foreign exchange students, sponsored by AFS and Rotary International. Several decades of cards, letters, pictures, and even visits from them as adults, bringing their families back to visit in Topeka, have kept them close. Also fondest appreciation goes out to Kathie Taylor of Topeka for the home health care, support, and companionship she provides for the family.

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