Donna Kay Tucker

Donna Kay Tucker, 86, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission in Merriam, Kansas.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a Visitation on Tuesday, February 10, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, located in Bonner Springs, Kansas. A Funeral service celebrating Donna's life will immediately follow at 1:00 PM at the same location. Following the service, Donna will be laid to rest in the Bonner Springs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to organizations that Donna would have supported. Donations may be made to the Great Plains Adaptive Riding Academy at 160831 158th St., Bonner Springs, KS 66012, or to Horses and Heroes at 22052 W. 66th St., Suite 207, Shawnee, KS 66226. These charities embody her lifelong passion for equestrian pursuits and supporting those in need.

Born on January 25, 1940, in the comfort of her family home in Reading, Kansas, Donna was the youngest of six children to Wilbur and Anna (Long) Smullings. She proudly graduated from Northern Heights High School in 1958, near Allen, Kansas. Donna devoted many years of her professional life to serving others, working diligently in various capacities within kitchen and dietary services at local nursing homes. Her compassionate care touched countless lives at institutions such as Kaw Valley Manor and later Presbyterian Manor in Kansas City, Kansas, which eventually became Riverbend Nursing Home.

Above all else, Donna found her truest joy and deepest solace in the presence of horses. Her lifelong equestrian journey began in childhood, a passion that never waned. She owned horses throughout her entire life; each magnificent creature, from steadfast companions to spirited mounts, held a special place in her heart and was, in its time, unequivocally her favorite. The saddle was where she felt most alive, truly at peace, and profoundly connected to nature.

Donna was reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Robert "Bob" Tucker, who preceded her in death in 1992. She also joins her parents and five siblings. Her legacy lives on through her devoted children: Mark D. Tucker and his wife, Tina, of Basehor, Kansas; Brenda R. Vitt and her husband, Richard, of Bonner Springs, Kansas; and David W. Tucker and his wife, Sondra, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She also leaves behind of five grandchildren: Jeremy Vitt and his wife, Samantha; Abby Klinger and her husband, Joel; Chrissy Parker and her husband, Brad; Zach Tucker and his wife, Ashley; and Cassie Cochran and her husband, Dean. As well as eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her dearly. Donna's unwavering love, gentle spirit, and infectious smile will be profoundly