Donna Sue Heath

Donna Sue Heath (Reece), 81, passed away on July 4, 2026, in Merriam, Kansas.

She was born on March 16, 1945, in Thayer, Kansas, to Irving Clifford “Jack” Reece and Della Loretta (Baker) Reece.

Donna grew up in Thayer and graduated from Thayer High School in 1963.

She continued her education at Pittsburg State University and MidAmerica Nazarene University, earning degrees that supported her lifelong calling as an educator.

She taught for many years in the Chanute and Altoona-Midway school districts.

Donna is survived by her three sons and their families: Rob and Lisa McMillen of Chanute, Kansas; Craig and Jenny McMillen of Lansing, Kansas; and David and Amie McMillen of Chanute, Kansas. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Dolores Young, Betty Huffman, Dale Reece, Merle Reece, Faye Robertson, and Joyce Reece.

Memorials are suggested to the USD 413 Foundation in Memory of Donna Heath (McMillen) to Chanute Elementary School.

A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Thayer Cemetery, Thayer, Kansas. 

Services are under the personal care of Wickham Family Funeral Home 500 North Forest Ave, Chanute, Kansas 66720.