Memorial services for Donna W. Gatts will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Family will greet friends following the service.
Donna passed away Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her husband, Professor Robert R. Gatts, a son, Robert K. Gatts, her second husband, David Csitkovits, and two brothers (Marvin and Homer “Buzz”).
She is survived by her children, Gail (Greg) Brimhall, Roslyn (Greg) Alexander, Maryl Janson (James Lucas), Christian (Julie) Gatts, and a sister, Nancy Hawk. She has 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Donna was born in Cleveland and raised in Dover, Ohio. She married Bob Gatts in 1948 and they raised 5 children together. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1963 so Bob could work at the University of Kansas. Donna loved her family, her home, yard, gardening, dancing, playing bridge, University Theatre, reading, making doll clothes for her grandchildren, sailing, swimming, canoeing, her dogs, and entertaining. Donna enjoyed life to the fullest.
Donna went to nursing school in Ohio and worked as a registered nurse. She worked at Stormont-Vail Health for over 25 years as an IV Nursing Supervisor. She completed her Master’s degree in Health Education in 1987. She was a natural care giver and her choice of careers fit her well. Donna enjoyed traveling and combined her love for service by traveling to China with a medical team in the early 1980’s.
Donna volunteered at Court Appointed Special Advocates, Meals on Wheels, and supported many philanthropic organizations.
Maryl, I want to extend my condolences to you and also to Ros, on the loss of your mother. From reading her obituary, it sounds like you (her kids!), were lucky to have had her as your mom, and I can assure you that she was lucky to have had YOU as her children! ♥️ Perhaps at our upcoming class reunion, we can raise a special toast to her, using glass jars (if we can track down a couple!!). 🍷🍷
Miss you, Mom. Thanks for teaching me the love of nature, biking, gardening and sewing. Thanks for driving me to piano lessons, gymnastics, diving, and ballet over the years. My earliest memory is of you rocking me in the squeaky victorian rocker, now used for my grandchildren. I remember many walks in the woods and digging up wild flowers to plant at home. Your perennial gardens were always a colorful sight! Thanks for letting us own a multitude of pets – from turtles to raccoons to a biting, bucking pony! I’ll always appreciate your frank dialogue about the birds and the bees and your firm efforts to keep me from gossiping on the phone! I respected your success as an RN and always felt secure with your care. Finally, in the end, I was glad to dispose of your collection of cottage cheese containers and glass jars!
To the Gatts family: I feel the heartaches you feel. I can remember that when I came over, she would tell Chris and I to “behave, but have fun!” She raised some fine kids. Her love is still all around. God got another angel.
Sorry for your loss. She led such a full life! I know she will be missed, and her legacy carried on by so many wonderful people.
Donna, was such a sweet lady. Good & fun bridge player. Always loved being at her home.