Donna Lee (Ruark) Lackey

Donna Lee Lackey, 92, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away February 9, 2026, at the Sterling Village. She was born May 18, 1933, in Chase, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Bessie (Watson) Ruark. Donna was a near lifelong Rice County resident. She attended Chase High School, Chase, KS. Donna was a homemaker, owned and operated the Daylight Donuts in Sterling, and was the “Lunch Lady” at the Sterling Grade School. She was a past member of the Carey Park Women’s Golf Association, Sterling Women’s Bowling Association, and the Sterling Antique Car Club. Donna enjoyed carving wood, sewing, camping, and spending time with her family. On April 19, 1950, Donna was united in marriage with Ernest Lackey. He preceded her in death on May 17, 2008. She is also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Charles Ruark Jr., Ira Ruark, and Bill Ruark; two sisters, Bessie Reimon and Maxine Jones; and son-in-law, Dennis Terrell. Donna is survived by her son, Lowen Lackey and wife Sherry of Sterling, KS; four daughters, Donna Terrell of MO, Jeanne Frederick and husband Richard of AR, Lynette Kelso and husband Phil of OK, and Tammy Lackey and significate other Keith Thompson of Alden, KS; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. A private graveside service will be held at the Chase Springdale Cemetery, Chase, KS, with Pastor Michael Gray officiating. Memorials may be given to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

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