DONNA DREILING

DONNA DREILING Donna Jean "Jeanie" Dreiling, Hays, died Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Homestead of Hays, just three days shy of her 100th birthday. She was born September 9, 1925 in WaKeeney, the daughter of Leo A. and Lois A. (Drummond) Myerly. In 1943, she graduated from Trego Community High School. Donna attended Fort Hays State University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business. While in college, she met Norbert R. Dreiling, and they were united in marriage on August 18, 1948 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. Norbert and Donna lived in Topeka while Norbert attended law school, and then they moved back to Hays, the community they loved. Norbert and Donna were married nearly 57 years before he preceded her in death on August 1, 2005. Donna lived a life filled with purpose, love, and unwavering dedication. With her kindness and encouraging words, she has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family was her pride and joy, and her life was a testament to her devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She fostered an environment of love, encouragement, compassion, and unity within her large family. Donna enjoyed cooking foods from various cuisines, and was known for cooking delicious meals for big family dinners and baking chocolate chip cookies for her grandchildren. Donna enjoyed bringing beauty into the lives of her familyher welcoming home, her rose and flower gardens, and her love for singing and playing the piano created a beautiful environment. She also enjoyed knitting afghans for all her children's homes, needlepoint projects, and saw the beauty of nature, especially in sunflowers, red cardinals, and rosy finches. She and Norbert traveled to many places, but their visits to Colorado and Florida were favorite gathering places for generations of family. Countless memories were made at these vacation spots, while the family enjoyed precious time together. A member of the P.E.O. sisterhood for most of her life, Donna cared deeply about education for women and formed many special friendships through this philanthropic organization. Her compassion, kindness for others, and love for her community was paramount, and she was generous with her time and contributions to support many organizations. A woman of deep faith and prayer, she was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the Daughters of Isabella, and a Eucharistic Minister. She was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary. The void left by Donna's passing is immeasurable, but the love, wisdom, and guidance she shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew this remarkable woman. Survivors include her sons Mark Dreiling (Barbara Short) of Denver, CO and Curtis Dreiling (Patti) of Estes Park, CO, her daughters, Jan Schuster (David) of Bradenton, FL and Kathy Dreiling (Michelle Talarico) of Colorado Springs, CO, ten grandchildren, Brian Schuster (Ashley), Scott Schuster (Nadia), Amy Stano (Anthony), Jeff Dreiling (Theresa), Kim McDaniels (Max), Krysta Lee (Vince), Nicholas Dreiling (Angela), Jackson Dreiling (Jennie), Sean Dreiling (Mindi), and Sam Talarico (Lily), 21 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister Lois Lee "Kee" Myerly. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, September 12, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Friday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm followed by a vigil service at 6:30 pm, both on Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to P.E.O., Homestead of Hays, or for masses. Condolences and memories of Donna may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com