Kathleen (Kay) Joyce Donner, 84 of Traverse City passed away peacefully on May 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 8, 1939, to Elmer and Marie Richards. Kathleen's deep appreciation for gardening and flowers bloomed at a young age, picking blackberries, growing beautiful raspberry bushes and turning them into delicious raspberry pies and jam.

On October 28, 1961, Kathleen married Jerry Donner, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage and four wonderful children: Peggy, Kimberly, Kelly and Matthew. Kay was the youngest of 5 siblings, spending time with her beloved parents, sisters and brother was very special to her. Because she was the youngest of the five siblings, it put her in a unique position to share a special bond with all her nieces and nephews.

Kay was the beacon of warmth and hospitality to anyone who'd stop by. She was the matriarch, the foundation of the family, she loved continuing all the favorite family traditions. The holidays were especially a favorite time, decorating the house, making homemade soups and the traditional sweets everyone loved and looked forward to.

Kathleen loved fun! She loved music and dancing. She loved games, from softball, to winning every game of euchre. She was an avid bingo player, hosted bunco parties, and loved going to the casino. Recently, she found a new love for watching Korean dramas with subtitles. She also loved animals and had a passion for gardening but most of all she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, birthdays, Holidays, pool parties and the best Christmas eve bashes around!

Kathleen is survived by her husband Jerry, children; Peggy (Tom) French, Kimberly DeLeon, Kelly Donner-May, Matthew (Angela) Donner, Grandchildren; Amber (Jack) Jones, James (Lisa) French, Michael DeLeon, Bryce Donner, Aaron Kline, Charles May, Great Grandchildren; Layne, Elijah and Jack Jones, Emily and Ryan French, Reign and Aurora DeLeon; Sister-in-law Jackie Krumm, and many nieces and nephews.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her beloved parents Elmer and Marie Richards, her brother Gary and Sisters Gloria, Beverly and Nancy. And her in-laws Edwin and May Donner.

A Memorial Service will take place Friday May 24, 2024, at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
Visitation will begin at 12pm and service at 1pm.

Please share your cherished memories of Kay with her family at www. Reynolds-Jonkhoff.com