Donna Faye Biggerstaff

Funeral services for Donna Faye Biggerstaff, 98, Lawrence, KS, will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 12, 2021, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS. The service will be live streamed. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, KS. Donna passed away on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Meadowlark Estates in Lawrence, KS.

Donna was born on October 19, 1923, in El Dorado, KS, the daughter of Willis Earl and Lottie Mae (Harvey) Sutton.

Her family moved to Arnold, KS, when Donna was 9 years old when her father took over the family farm. She graduated from Arnold High School in 1941.

She married Marshall Biggerstaff on June 3, 1942, in Arnold, KS. Together they moved to different locations in Western KS. In 1965 the family moved to Lawrence, KS.

Donna retired from KU Division of Continuing Education in 1986 after 20 years.

Donna was a former member of Lawrence Heights Christian Church, Adah Chapter Order of Eastern Star and former Secretary of the Knife and Fork Club.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Marshall in 1997, an infant son, infant granddaughter, three sisters, and two brothers.

Survivors include her two sons, and four daughters: Dwane (Sandy) Biggerstaff of Lawrence, KS, Lester (Lila) Biggerstaff of Springfield, OR, Karen (Bob) Berryman of Denver, CO, Donna (Dave) Flint of Prairie Village, KS, Tamara (Mike) Wilkerson of Lawrence, KS, Teresa (Chad) Hinkle of Lawrence, KS, 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild.

A visitation is scheduled from 10:00 ~ 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 12, 2021, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s name to Interim Hospice or the NICU at Children’s Mercy Hospital and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

9 Condolences

  1. Linda Jo Sutton Barnes on November 11, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    Loved the video. Many fond memories of the Sutton’s and Biggerstaff’s gatherings. Aunt Donna Faye was the only one that would call me Linda Jo and I was NEVER in trouble. So Sorry that the pandemic has created such a hard time for families to get together especially in times like this. I would love to be there to give each of you a hug.



  2. Cheryl Wagner on November 11, 2021 at 4:19 pm

    Donna was kind, thoughtful, generous, and had a great sense of humor. I knew her as a friend to both me and my family, a great knitter, my caring supervisor at my first job at KU, and a wonderful person. She always had a tremendous spunk that I greatly admired. She was dear to me and will be greatly missed. My sincere sympathy to Tammy, Teresa and the entire Biggerstaff family on your loss. Donna’s spirit will be with us always.



  3. Lola Sutton on November 12, 2021 at 12:43 pm

    You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I would love to be there with you. Remembering all the fun times we had. Especially enjoyed Dwane’s eulogy, and Sandy has such a beautiful voice. It was a beautiful service.



  4. Fern Nettleton Taylor on November 12, 2021 at 4:46 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Donna and I enjoyed each other’s company immensely.



  5. Stuart Sutton on November 12, 2021 at 5:32 pm

    The video brought back so many memories of the good times spent with the Biggerstaff’s. What a fun crew! Aunt Donna Faye and Uncle Marshall were a great example for all of us emphasizing the importance of family. She had a great sense of humor but probably had to with Dad and Uncle Marshall always teasing her. She leaves a great legacy for her family and friends. Wish we could be there!



  6. Janet Mears on November 13, 2021 at 2:19 pm

    So very sorry for your loss. It was just last month that I thought of your mom and wondered how she was doing. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.



  7. Marcia Mcphail on November 13, 2021 at 2:47 pm

    I still remember your mom and dad back in Larned times when they owned the local Gambles store. Karen and I were high school friends with Donna being just a couple of years younger and Lester and Dwayne being much, much younger— the twins barely on the radar. Gerry and I were married in 1963 and your parents gave us the classic vintage 10 x12 picture of Jesus Christ. I loved that picture and it adorned our various homes for over thirty years.
    Sadly, Karen and I lost track of each other eventually. At one point I think I knew Donna and Marshall lived in Lawrence (we arrived in 1990) but somehow our paths never crossed. When I saw the obituary in the paper, I knew it had to be the same Donna Biggerstaff. I will share with Carla, Jolane, Doris, and Patti as know they have good memories of both your mom and dad, too. Prayers and blessings to all of you as you continue life’s journey. God bless. Karen, if you and Bob are ever back in town, give me a call. I would love to see you.
    Marcia (Lucas) McPhail



  8. Phillip L Sutton on December 18, 2021 at 1:03 pm

    From Phil Sutton & Family.
    Having just viewed the pictorial of Aunt Donna Faye’s rich full life, it brought back a flood of good memories. It was well presented.
    Thank you so much for sharing her ‘celebration of life’ with us.
    Revelation 21:3 & 4



  9. Stanley L Sutton on December 18, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    We were glad to view the slide show also. I remember her striking blue eyes. We liked seeing all the family, especially the older ones of the Sutton family together in the younger years. Also seeing how much she loved her grandbabies and great grandbabies. Our sympathies go out to the family. Even though Donna Faye had a full rich life her passing will leave an empty place in your/ours lives. We long for the fulfillment of Isaiah 25:8 which promises God will swallow up death forever. We are glad Phil informed us of her death.
    Our love, Stan and Leigh Ellen Sutton



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