Donnis Graham
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Memorial services for Donnis Graham, 77, Lawrence, will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2019, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Donnis, a long-time Lawrence resident, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO.
Donnis was born September 3, 1941, in Independence, MO, the daughter of Kenneth and Hazel (Brace) Graham. She graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1959. She was active in Girl Scouts, and also participated in Girls’ State. She studied English at the University of Iowa and Kansas in the 1960s, as well as working at Hallmark and editing medical journals. She also earned a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Kansas in 1982.
Donnis held various positions at the University of Kansas. More recently, she was an office manager and editor for the Radar Systems and Remote Sensing Laboratory, and worked closely with Dr. Richard K. Moore and Professor Prasad Gogineni. After positively influencing and befriending many international students and instructors for many years, Donnis retired from her position.
Donnis was a voracious reader and constantly in search of new knowledge. She was one of the original members of the Community Mercantile. She volunteered many hours for the Douglas County Democrats and to the campaigns of Representative Forrest Swall, 45th Kansas district, in the early 1990s. Donnis enjoyed collecting antique and unique ceramics, gardening and was passionate about the causes of peace and justice.
Survivors include her children, Katherine (Anthony) Harvey, Rebecca Hill, Daniel McIntyre; five grandchildren, Amber Harvey, Jack McCraney, Anthony Harvey, Jr., Elisabeth McIntyre, Morgan McIntyre; sister, Karen Graham Wade; one nephew Marc Wade (Gabby); and great-nephew Oliver.
Memorial gifts may be made in Donnis’s name to the Nature Conservancy, The Heart Institute of St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, MO, or Doctors Without Borders and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
The family will greet friends following the service from 4 – 5 p.m. on Friday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Katie, I am so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. It was a shock to see
her photo here. Let me know if there is anything I can do. My thoughts will be with you. Love, Carol
To all the members of Donnis’ Family: our heartfelt condolences! Donnis and I worked as support staff (in different departments) in Nichols Hall (on KU’s West Campus) for many years. Besides an irreplaceable asset to her department, she was a caring and loyal friend to all who knew her there. We know she loved and treasured you all, always speaking of you with so much pride. We grieve with you at her passing. May you find comfort in your memories of her.
Becca,
From all your KTOY Besties…we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you since we got the news, and will continue to be with you and everyone who loved your mom.
With deepest sympathy,
Leslie and the Besties ❤️