05/29/2026
Wichita - Donna Jean (Vogt) Overmiller, age 78, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026.
Memorial Service, 10am, Wednesday, June 3, at First Baptist Church, 125 S. Delos, Haysville, KS 67060. There will be another service held in Smith Center, Kansas, 10am, Saturday, July 25, at Thornburg Church, 15092 50 Rd, Smith Center, KS 66967.
Donna grew up on the family farm in Grinnell, IA. She graduated from Grinnell High School in 1965. That summer she was crowned Miss Powesheik County. Donna graduated from Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in 1966. She married Larry in December of that year and the Air Force then stationed him in Ankara, Turkey where the newlyweds traveled extensively in the Middle East and Holy Lands. While living in Turkey, together she and Larry attended underground Bible studies, received Christ as their Savior and were both baptized in a river in Galatia. Donna worked at the American Embassy in Ankara for two years.
In 1969, Larry was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX where they welcomed their three children Tena, Matt and Amy. In 1973, they moved back to Smith County, KS to farm among Larry’s family. Donna worked at the Smith County Memorial Hospital from 1981–2000 in the laboratory. While being a farm wife, raising a family, and working, she was involved in many things in her community.
In 1994, they lost their son Matt in a motorcycle accident at age 22. This tragedy made them want to be closer to their girls. In 2000, Donna and Larry moved to Abilene, KS and worked in the hospital for ten years, before retiring. Upon retiring in 2010, they moved to the Wichita area to be close to their daughters and grandchildren. Donna was active in the Haysville community, involving herself in Steven Ministries, DAR, Restore, The Prom Dress Giveaway, and most importantly, being mom, grandma and great-grandma.
Donna had many talents and hobbies throughout her life and could do almost anything, including: genealogy, quilting, gardening, landscaping, teaching Bible study, 4-H leadership, PEO, DAR, golf, biking, refinishing antique furniture, woodworking, canning, volunteering, writing poems, crafting and many, many other things.
Donna was a woman of remarkable talent, endless determination, a strong work ethic and quiet grace. She possessed the rare ability to make everything she touched more beautiful. Through her creativity, her home, her work and her family, she leaves a lasting legacy of faith, generosity, humor, and hard work. Her life was a testament to the difference one person can make through dedication, compassion and a generous heart.
Donna’s family will especially remember her Family Motto: “When it gets too tough for everyone else, it’s just right for us.”
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Faye Vogt, and her son, Matthew Overmiller. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Larry Overmiller of Wichita, KS; daughters, Tena (Keith) Luongo of Cape Coral, FL and Amy (Emad) Mekhail of Wichita, KS; grandchildren, Sydney ( Jacob) Addis, Sabrina (Gage) Cooper, Matthew Mekhail, Catherine Mekhail, Gianna Mekhail and Brooke Mekhail; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Wrenley and Wesley Addis, and Beckett Cooper; sisters, Linda Hatch of Grinnell, IA, Marsha (Gary) Wilson of Grinnell, IA and Brenda Cornett of Jewel, KS, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be given for the Kansas Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship Fund.
Make checks payable to: Kansas DAR; Memo: Donna Overmiller; Mail to: Sue Cowan, 7714 W. 100th Terrace, Overland Park, KS 66212-2445.
www.shinklemortuary.com.
