Donna Mae Laushman

No services are planned for Donna Mae Laushman, 87, Lawrence. Mrs. Laushman died Friday, December 6, 2013, at her home.

She was born September 16, 1926, in Austin, Minn., the daughter of Harold Thomas and Agnes Frances Klema Rochford. Donna graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1944, and went on to get her degree from Drake University in 1948.

Mrs. Laushman married Robert Paul Laushman on June 25, 1947, in Austin, Minn. He survives of the home.

Donna enjoyed reading books in her spare time. She read for Audio Reader at the University of Kansas for 28 years. While working for Audio Reader, she did a cooking show and a cook book. She was the Director of Training for 10 years at Jayhawk Kennel Club. In 1993 she was voted Volunteer of the Year in Douglas County. Donna loved all animals great and small.

Survivors include her husband Robert Laushman, Lawrence; three sons, Robert Laushman Jr. (Susan), Pittsburg, Kan., Roger Laushman (Judy), Oberlin, Ohio, and Rusty Laushman (Ellen), New York, N.Y.; one daughter, Karen Risner (James), Lawrence; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and son, Randy Laushman, in 1975.

The family suggests memorial be made to Lawrence Humane Society or the Audio Reader Program at the University of Kansas, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.

Messages & Condolences

From Tonia Salvini...

Sending memory and heart filled condolences from our family. We shared so many wonderful times together and have fond memories of your family. I always admired Donna and her amazing interest/love for animals. What great children she raised!!!! Kind thoughts to your family, Tonia Leah Salvini and family.

From Gary and Jeanne Clark...

Our thoughts are with you and your family, Bob. You will miss this special lady, as will the Lawrence community and those who ever had a connection with her. Her infectious giggle when she was amused or losing it on the air as we read for Audio-Reader, her upbeat, can-do attitude, her flair for performing on radio or stage, her delicious baked treats, and her enduring friendship will be memories I will never lose.

From Mary McClelland...

I am sorry for your loss. I meet Donna at Audio Reader when I was working she was a very caring person. She will be missed.

From Brenda Rhoades...

It has been a long time since I’ve had contact with any of the Laushman family, but I have never forgotten those I knew. Randy was a dear friend of mine. After all these years, I still think of him and your family often. To all who are close to, or a part of this wonderful family, you have my deepest condolences.

From Kathy Hird Kostner and Ric Kostner...

Ric and I send our heartfelt condolences to your family. It has been a privilege and an honor to “grow up” next door to your wonderful family. My memory of Donna is her incredible, loving compassion and kindness and all that she did for her loved ones and our community. The world is a better place because she was in it. We shall dearly miss seeing her bright smile and friendly wave on her daily walks along our gravel road. Our love and hugs to each of you. Blessings,
Kathy Hird Kostner and Ric Kostner

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