Donna Kaye Waller

Donna Kaye Waller, age 70, of Oak Grove, MO, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Feb 22nd, 2026. Her Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, March 13th, 2026, at Heartland Church in Blue Springs, MO. The family will receive guests from 3:00 PM until service time, with a public visitation, fellowship, and meal immediately following the service.

Donna grew up in South Kansas City, graduating from Ruskin High School before attending Southwest Baptist University, where she met her soulmate of 49 years, Richard "Rick" Waller.

Donna was first and foremost a devoted homemaker. As a supportive wife, her creative collaboration in children's and youth ministry, drama groups, and more, complemented Rick's music ministry perfectly for decades. Together they raised their family in a home filled with faith and laughter as they shared travels and adventures, like camping, fishing trips, caving, and historical reenactment.

As she raised her own children, she extended her nurturing heart by babysitting many neighborhood children and directing the church children's choir. She never hesitated to help anyone in need, even when resources were tight. Over time, Donna also attended night classes in pursuit of her dream of teaching and writing, eventually teaching Pre-K, substitute teaching, and working at the local library, where she led children's storytime.

As her children became adults, she embraced her role as a grandmother with renewed energy, and continued to pour herself into various church ministries, sometimes even opening her home to foster youth in need.

Throughout every season of her life, she and Rick continued to participate in whatever ministries they could. Even as she struggled through her battle with Alzheimer's, she developed her signature "Fireside storytelling" sessions at Vesper Hall Senior Center.

Donna's warm and generous heart was her defining gift. She truly never met a stranger, greeting every person she encountered with genuine warmth, and sincere admiration. Her quiet strength, boundless creativity, deep faith, and joyful spirit touched everyone around her, leaving a legacy of kindness that will continue to inspire.

Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Oma Dell (Barnett) Hawley, father, Donald Hawley, and husband, Richard Keith Waller.

Her survivors include two children; Amanda (Waller) Williams, wife of Benjamin Williams, and Aaron Waller, husband of Christina (Garner) Waller, four grandchildren; Katelyn (Kat) & Sheldon Waller, and Sabastian & Skyler Williams, and her brothers; Michael of Plano, TX, David of Saint Louis, MO, and Daniel of Conway, AR.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri