Donna Gerdsen

Donna Gerdsen, 69, of Iola, Kansas, died Saturday, August 13, 2011, at Victoria Falls in Andover, Kansas. Donna was born August 17, 1941, in Harrison County, Missouri, the daughter of Thomas G. and Edith Catherine (Carson) Johns. She grew up in Humboldt where she graduated from Humboldt High School in 1959. On September 1, 1962, Donna married Clyde E. Gerdsen and they made their home in Iola most of their married lives. Clyde preceded her in death on March 3, 2009. Donna worked as a seamstress for H.L. Miller & Son Dress Factory in Iola until it closed. She later worked at The Iola Register until she retired. Donna was a member of Grace Southern Baptist Church in Iola. She enjoyed gardening and collecting frogs. SURVIVORS: Her 4 children: Teresa Rose & husband, Richard of Broken Arrow, OK, Mike Gerdsen & wife, Vicky of LaHarpe, KS, Tammy Rinehart & husband, James of Derby, KS and Tom Gerdsen of Wichita, KS 8 Grandchildren: Jacob Gerdsen, Jordan Gerdsen, Megan Hessel, Collin Hessel, Rebecca Rose, Alissa Rose, Amber Gerdsen and Michael Ryherd 1 Great Granddaughter: Briana Gerdsen 6 Sisters: Helen Heide of Virginia, Lorraine Peugh of North Carolina, Sue Bush of Mulvane, KS, Jean Gibson and Neoma Jones both of Haysville, KS, and Cathy Noland of Shaw, KS A host of nieces and nephews She was preceded in death by a son, Mark Gerdsen, 2 brothers, Lloyd & Richard Johns, 4 sisters, Wilma Lee Johns, Elizabeth "Betsy" Watson, Martha Venabel and Arlene Kariker and an infant brother, Tommy and an infant sister. VISITATION: 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 18, 2011, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. Rev. Steve Traw will officiate. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas MEMORIAL: Aids Foundation Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .