Donna Faye Elmer slipped away peacefully in the arms of her daughter on the evening of Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Donna was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. She lived most of her adult life in Leavenworth, Kansas, and moved to Manhattan, Kansas, in her later years. Donna obtained a bachelor of arts in foreign language from Baker University and a bachelor of arts in education from St. Mary’s College. She obtained credit hours in the arts, costume design, set design, acting, and directing from the University of Kansas. Donna taught at West Junior High in Leavenworth in the early ’70s. She was very involved in community theater in Leavenworth. She also directed choirs and participated in worship teams at several churches in Leavenworth and Manhattan.

Donna was married to Richard C. Griffith for 21 years before divorcing. She married retired Lieutenant Colonel Lee Elmer in 1981. Lee precedes her in death along with her beloved son, David C. Griffith. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Clark, and Diane's husband, Scott Clark, and by her stepson, Glenn Elmer, along with eight grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Donna was loved by everyone who knew her. She was warm, loving, funny, and had a beautiful big smile.

A viewing will be held in Manhattan at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home on Saturday, May 30, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A celebration of life will take place for family and Leavenworth friends at Davis Funeral Chapel, Thursday June 4, 4:00pm followed by a burial for family at the Leavenworth National Cemetery , 9:00 am Friday June 5, where she will be laid to rest near her late husband, Lee.

Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter.