Donna Marie Heinzman Marrs

Donna Marie Heinzman Marrs, age 70, passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2022.  She was born May 10, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri to Don and Alice (Ziegler) Heinzman, the oldest of seven children.  She attended St. Agnes Catholic Grade School and Bishop Miege High School.  United in love on February 14, 1975 to Don Marrs, they built a life together spanning 47 years. These two were quite a team, working hard to build businesses and devoting time within their community.  Their first and primary business was Marrs Tree Service established in 1974.  Many people will miss her voice saying, "Hi, this is Donna" or "bye-bye now," as she handled the daily calls, and ran the office.  Donna also spent many hours managing their businesses Planet Marrs Recycling and Lakeside Speedway, as well as maintaining their rental properties and reminding Don to feed the cows on their two farms.  Donna was also very involved in her community. She helped to found the Monticello Community Historical Society and worked alongside the City of Shawnee to provide Christmas trees and cows for Old Shawnee Town.

Donna's most cherished passion was her family! She did everything she could to support her loved ones, especially Don.  She loved being by his side for all of their events, watching him race cars ("Come on Baby!") and going out together with friends.  Being the oldest sibling, we have all asked for her help, support or advice at some point and she was always there to listen.  She was honored that her family and friends trusted her, and she enjoyed helping and spending time with them.  She took charge of organizing annual family skiing trips, South Padre Island spring breaks, Colorado vacations and 4th of July canoeing adventures.  Don't forget the party planner side of Donna.  She planned the best family gatherings from birthdays to holidays, or the larger scale annual Birthday Bash for Don, fireworks and hotel New Year's Eve parties.  Many will remember her fine details down to the themed tablecloths with matching centerpieces.  Several of us have centerpieces as memento's.  We also have "Handmade by Donna" or "Made With Love" cards that she sent for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.

Donna loved the children in her life more than anything.  She treated them as her own and enjoyed every minute with them.  She created a "mini Donna" with her niece, Ali.  Those two spent so much time together they could read each other's minds – that's scary!  Donna attended numerous school functions for the children from VIP days to Christmas programs, choir concerts and ball games.  Donna didn't just babysit, she created memories with them.  Babysitting meant making crafts, going for ice cream (including one for the dog), riding the golf cart to see the cows, meeting Don for breakfast or lunch, and making PB&J's.  Even more memories were made at the Great Wolf Lodge, Disney on Ice, the circus and the movies which were all gifts from her.  Donna also had a love for her four-legged furry kids currently known as Buddy, Bentley, Gracie, Frankie, Cooper and Lily.  (Don’t even get started on her cows, chickens or pigs and yes, they all have names.)

Donna also had a lucky streak and at times could be found at a local casino -"shh, don't tell Don."  If she wasn't gambling, you might find her planting flowers, antiquing or searching for "cool" Santas.  Her decorating abilities are seen again at Christmastime in her display of collectible Santas.  If you have ever been to Donna's house at Christmas, you have seen her elaborate collection.  Her favorites she kept out all year round.  She even had Don build her a "Santa building" for storing her collection.  Continuing her love of Christmas and children, Donna took them to see Santa and arranged for them to help decorate the Mayor's Christmas tree that Don set up each year.

When the day was done, Donna could be found curled up on the couch watching a good movie.  Many people ask how Donna did so much each day.  Don's answer, "She did it right, she was efficient, and she finished what she started!"  Donna was a strong, loud, eccentric, fun and to the point woman with the most kind, sincere and generous heart.  She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

Donna is survived by her husband Don Marrs, her mother Alice Heinzman, her son Peter Howey, step-daughter Jennifer (Troy) Risner, her siblings:  Dennis (Carla) Heinzman, David (Jo) Heinzman, Diane (Joseph) Majerle, Debbie (Bryan) Johnson and Denise Wilson, and her step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  Donna was preceded in death by her father Don Heinzman and her brother Douglas Heinzman.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 9th, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Amos Funeral Home, Shawnee, KS, with Lakeside Chaplain speaking at 6:45.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, March 10th, at 10 a.m.  at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shawnee, KS (livestream at www.stjoeshawnee.org).  Burial at Monticello Union Cemetery, Shawnee, KS, followed by a luncheon back at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Monticello Community Historical Society, PO Box 860283, Shawnee, KS, 66286, or to Sister Servants of Mary, 800 N. 18th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66102.

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