Donna Kay (Lovan) Wake of Willow Springs, MO skipped ahead in line to be with her Lord and Savior on December 17, 2024, in Springfield, MO. All who loved her will say it was not her time, it was not her turn, however, much like the Lord who called her home, Donna did not operate in “real time” and refused to be confined by a silly clock.
Donna proudly held many titles. A few of many were: Favorite Daughter-in-Law, Mom, Nana Kay, and Aunt Donna. If her husband described her, he often described her as a “dandy”. This dandy of a woman was known for her unmatched thoughtfulness, supreme love of gift giving, and the suspicious ability to get any vehicle serviced by Bailey’s Chevrolet, despite the waitlist presented to the average customer. She spoiled everyone she decided to love, which kept her very busy because she decided to love almost everyone she knew. After some thought and reflection upon the gifts she gave to so many people, it’s clear she gave what her life symbolized to all of us. She gave color (usually in a shade or particular hue that matched your eyes), immortal flowers (to place in front of your kitchen window so they could be seen from the road), she gave comfort (in the form of a meal, fresh eggs or tomatoes), and she gave preservation and support (in a classic Tupperware set she adored, or sometimes a gift card to a place you would never treat yourself to). She will be remembered for the love and passion she had for her husband, her children, and especially Elvis Presley. She will be missed every day, but we smile when we think of her now, redecorating the front porch of Heaven.
Donna was preceded in death by her father, Robert Ray (“Bob”) Lovan; her mother, Helen Faye (Robertson) Kirchner; and her cherished brother, Bobby Gene Lovan.
Donna is survived by her husband, Jim Wake; her children, Jamie (Brooke) Wake, Gina Marie Wake, and Michael Wake; her dear nephew, Treyveon Talbert; her stepmother, Nancy Karen Lovan; her sister, Vicky (Larry “Shine”) Owens; her brothers, Jack (Sharry) Lovan, Martin (Nancy) Lovan, Gary Lovan, Tony (Sandra) Summers; and one grandson, Emmett Xavier Wake.
A visitation for Donna will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Westside Family Life Center in Willow Springs, MO from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. with the funeral service immediately following with Pastor David Lovan officiating. Interment will follow at Little Zion Cemetery in Douglas County, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Donna’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC.
