Donna Talkington

Donna Talkington, a cheerleader for everything Iola, died Saturday morning, July 25, 2009, after several years of illness. Donna, age 77, was the wife of former Kansas Senate President Robert V. Talkington. Donna was involved in many local, regional and state boards and organizations. She was a ham on stage, stealing the show as Miss Hannigan in "Annie" and as the queen in "Once Upon A Mattress", in the Iola Community Theatre productions. She served many roles in her service to First Presbyterian Church including that as an elder, Sunday school teacher, children's choir director and a member of its bell choir. She was given the church's "Gift of Women" award in 2008. She served as Chairman on the boards of Allen County Hospital, Iola Public Library, Allen County Community College Endowment Association and the Bowlus Fine Arts Commission. She also served on the boards of Friends of the Bowlus, United Fund, Republican Women, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Jaycee Jaynes and Iola Tourism. She was a charter member of the board of the REACH Healthcare Foundation of Kansas City. Because of her community involvement, Talkington was the inspiration for the "Donna Award" by Thrive Allen County in 2008, which will recognize other people's dedication to their cities. Donna served in many capacities with Chapter L, P.E.O., including as its president. The club will present a service at her funeral. She was a strong advocate for Iola schools, serving on an advisory committee for a new high school. She was a P.T.A. member for 21 consecutive years, a room mother 10 times, a substitute teacher and chaperoned many events. She also served as a judge for forensics competitions and for high school plays. Donna was born Oct. 16, 1931, in Halstead to Dr. Lyle Schmaus and his wife, Leora. The family moved to Iola in 1933. She studied pre-nursing at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, from 1949 to 1952. It was at KU that she met her husband of 58 years, Bob, who survives at the home and continues to practice law. They have five children, Jill and Dave McCaskill, Cypress, Texas, Jacki and Bob Chase, Iola, Jim and Staci Talkington, Iola, Tom and Sherlyn Talkington, Prairie Village, Lisa and John Dreasher, Hutchinson, and 11 grandchildren. Preceding her in death were two children, Jeanne Ann and Donald Patrick, and two brothers, Jim and Dr. John Schmaus. VISITATION: 7:00-9:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at First Presbyterian Church in Iola BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola MEMORIAL CHOICES: Friends of the Bowlus, First Presbyterian Church or Iola Public Library. 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 at this website, www.iolafuneral.com .