Donna June Dunard

Mrs. Donna June (Ricks) Dunard, 89, of Troy, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2020, at St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis, MO. She was the youngest daughter born to Ernest Edgar and Dona Bell (Argent) Ricks on June 23, 1931 in Winfield, MO. She attended Snow Hill grade school and graduated from Troy Buchanan High School in 1949. Donna attended St. John’s School of Nursing, St. Louis, completing her Registered Nursing Degree in 1952. After marrying Martin E. Dunard, October 5, 1952, she joined him at the Camp Gordan Army Base in Augusta, GA, until he was honorably discharged in 1954. Donna was employed as an RN at the military hospital. Upon return to the Troy area Donna gained employment as the first RN at the newly opened Lincoln County Memorial Hospital in Troy, MO. In 1966 Martin opened the Sears Catalog Store where they worked together until 1993. Donna was an active member of the Zion United Church of Christ, Troy, MO, especially working with mission projects such as Festival of Sharing, baby layette kits, small quilts for children, school supplies, eye glasses; and cross-stitched baby quilts auctioned for proceeds to benefit the world wide efforts. Other areas of focus were the annual Ham & Bean Dinners, Basement Sales, and Apple Butter making at Zion. Donna was an involved and dedicated leader with her children and grandchildren’s activities with 4-H, FFA, sports, and band; making show wardrobes, and donating her time and talents. She was also a long-time member of the Town & Country Homemaker Extension Women’s Club. Martin and Donna enjoyed being a part of the former President Jimmy Carter projects, participating with building on 5 Habitat for Humanity Blitz Builds around the world. (KY, TX, GA, Hungary, & Philippines) Donna was a gifted seamstress and spent countless hours making clothing for the family, Barbie and Ken doll clothes, quilts, blankets, wool outfits for 4-H Sheep Lead Line competitions, along with many bridesmaid dresses and bridal gowns. She worked tirelessly on family genealogy, researching relatives, compiling notebook binders of pictures and documents of her family history as well as the Dunard’s. She was an avid gardener and preservationist, making homemade jams, jellies, and pickles for family and friends. What most importantly to her was having her family near! Surviving are her children: Michael Edward Dunard, Troy, MO belated wife Gina, Michele Dunard, Swansboro, NC, Melinda (Dunard) Horn and husband Robert J. Horn, Odessa, MO, Col (ret) Monte Eugene Dunard, USMCR and wife Cindy R. Dunard, Woodbridge, VA, and Marilu (Dunard) Lasater and husband Lee D. Lasater, Silex, MO. Eight wonderful grandchildren: Travis E. Horn (Stephanie), Teresa N. (Horn) Geisinger (Luke), Jordan E. Lasater (Abby), Jonah L. Lasater (Lindsey O’Hara), James A. Lasater (Brittany Dickherber), Nicholas R. Dunard, Juliet W. Dunard, Olivia J. Dunard. Three beautiful great grandchildren: Kai L. Geisinger, Caleb E. Horn, Joanie J. Lasater. Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her siblings: Clyde Argent Ricks (Josephine), Doris Olevia Camp (John), Pansy Marie Boyet, Ernest Freeman Ricks (Ada Belle). When Donna June was 7 years old, her father passed away and her mother Dona, married Clarence Crouch and gained three step siblings who precede her: Levoyd D. Crouch (Nell), Clarence Gentry Crouch (Flora), and Edna B. Bickle (James). Also, daughter-in-law Gina Dunard, nieces Darla J. (Dunard) Flynn and Tina R. Irvin, nephews Brian J. Dunard and Eric R. Irvin, brother-in-law’s Robert I. Dunard & William D. Dunard. Family and friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at Kemper-Millard-Keim Family Funeral Chapel located at 351 Monroe Street Troy, MO 63379. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at Kemper-Millard-Keim Funeral Home in Troy, MO. Interment will be held at Zion Cemetery in Troy, MO. Serving as pallbearers will be her grandchildren: Travis Horn, Teresa Geisinger, Jordan, Jonah, and James Lasater, Nicholas & Juliet Dunard, and Olivia Dunard. In lieu of flowers the family request and encourage memorial donations be made to: Zion UCC General Fund, Troy Bread For Life Food Pantry, or Lincoln County Habitat for Humanity in care of KEMPER-MILLARD-KEIM Family Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 222 Troy, MO 63379. Arrangements are under the direction of KEMPER-MILLARD-KEIM Family Funeral Chapel; 351 Monroe Street Troy, MO 63379. Online condolences may be made at www.kempermillardkeimfamilyfuneralchapel.com Phone 636-528-8221 In accordance with the CDC COVID guidelines, social distancing, attendance recommendations will be followed and mask are requested.

Donna June Dunard

June 23, 1931 - September 10, 2020