Donna Lee Hinshaw, 93, of Topeka, passed away Friday, July 1, 2022.
She was born April 28, 1929, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Oscar Raymond and Ada Leila (Rodocker) Simmons. Donna graduated from Topeka High School in 1947. After graduation, she attended Washburn University. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics 1951.
Throughout her time at Washburn, Donna was very active in her education and joined several groups and sororities, including Phi Kappa Phi, Whose Who Among Students, Kappa Mu Epsilon, Nonoso and Alpha Phi Sorority. She was also a part of the Modern Dance Club and the Dolphin Club as a synchronized swimmer.
Donna loved mathematics and after her time as a student at Washburn, she became an Algebra Instructor for the university. She was employed by Washburn University for 30 years, retiring in 1991.
Donna married George Soucy on October 12, 1951. They had two children, Kathryn and Michael. They later divorced.
Donna married Don Hinshaw on October 24, 1975 in Topeka, Kansas. Together they enjoyed being on Lake Perry in their sailboat, the "Seahawk". They also enjoyed traveling to different camp sites with the Jayhawk Ramblers, Arab Shrine Nomads and Capital Sams.
Donna was active in many organizations with her husband, Don and held many offices. They were proud members of the American Legion, Honor Society of the 40 & 8, Kansas Chapter of Ex-POW, American Legion Women's Axillary, Military order of Cooties, and the Lake Perry Yacht Club. Don passed away on August 16, 2010 after nearly 35 years of marriage to Donna.
Donna had a passion for crafting; she especially liked all kinds of needle work. She also enjoyed wood working, creating masterpieces out of stain glass, bricklaying gardening, playing cards and dominos. She will also be remembered for her talented cooking, especially her Amish Friendship Bread.
After Don's passing, she met her companion, Elvin Bush. They enjoyed going to various car shows to show off Donna's beloved red and white Cadillac. Her family jokes that she may have loved that car more than anyone or anything!
She was a member of the Berean Class at First Baptist Church.
Donna is survived by her daughter, Kathryn (Bill) Ogle; grandchildren, Stephanie (Stephen) Sullinger, Mike (Lauren) Ross, Alissa (Craig) Emme, Jeff Ross, Daniel (Nikki) Ogle, Martin Ogle and Michael Ogle; great-grandchildren, Annika (JT), Gavin, McKenna, Dash, Quinn, Ryder, Eleanor, Harper, Parker, Maggie, Nora, Amelia; and companion, Elvin Bush. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Hinshaw, her son, Michael Soucy; her parents, and sister, Dorothy Harrison.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to her loving and caring staff at McCrite Plaza, her second family these past few years.
A funeral service will be 2:00 pm., Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at the First Baptist Church, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka. Her family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at First Baptist Church. She will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berean Class of First Baptist Church, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka, KS 66611.
First Baptist Church will be livestreaming the service at the following link: https://boxcast.tv/view/donna-hinshaws-celebration-of-life-uvbtw5mvlhvwfq7nm5ex. Please copy and past the link to your browser.
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