Donna Jean (Phillippi) Leman, 92, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at the Apostolic Christian Home.

Donna was born on June 6, 1928 in Brown County to William E. and Isabella Margaret (Babst) Phillippi. She was the youngest in her family, born thirteen years after her sister, Martha LaVaun.

She attended Sabetha High School. While in high school, she played clarinet in the band for four years. She also participated in a clarinet trio, and even had the opportunity to play at state in Lawrence. While in high school, Donna enjoyed spending her time at Sycamore Springs. It was there, she met her future husband, Bill Leman. She graduated from Sabetha High School in 1946.

After high school, Bill returned home from service in November of 1946. Bill and Donna married August 24, 1947 at the First United Methodist Church in Sabetha. John Lukert and Mary McGinty were their attendants. In 1952, they had their first daughter, Shari. In 1955, they welcomed home their second daughter, Cari.

Donna worked at Joe McGenty’s Dodge/Plymouth in Sabetha. Later she worked as a bookkeeper at L&L Pontiac, Leman Pontiac Buick, and finally, Leman Motors. She also belonged to PEO and was a scout leader with June McFall. She participated on the library board, as well as a few church committees. Donna was musically talented, playing multiple instruments and was an avid pianist. In her free time,

Donna enjoyed playing golf. She played for 50 years, picking up the sport around age 30.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Leman in 2014; her infant granddaughter, Lauren Julia Kuhl in 1982; and her sister, Martha LaVaun Saylor in 2001.

She is survived by her daughters, Shari (Bill) Smith of Merriam, Kansas and Cari (Wes) Kuhl of Parkville, Missouri; her five grandchildren, Emily (Scott) Pope, Chris (Dana) Smith, Justin (Katy) Kuhl, Kaitlin (Drew) Way, and Kristen (Kyle) Harrington; and ten great grandchildren, Ella Pope, Will Pope, and Clara Pope, Lauren Smith, Lauren Kuhl, James Kuhl, Claire Kuhl, Jack Way, Bennett Way, and newest baby Samuel Harrington.

A Private Family Service will be held Thursday, July 2, 2020 at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha. Viewing will be open to the public on Tuesday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be made in the Sabetha Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Sabetha or the Mary Cotton Library, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia St., Sabetha, KS 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.