Donna Sue Knapp

Donna Sue (Cross) Knapp, 86, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026. She was born on June 7, 1939, in Butler, Missouri, to Don W. Cross and Dorothy Marguriette (Foster) Cross. She graduated from Rich Hill High School and soon after moved to the “big city,” where she began her career working for Phillips Petroleum and Southwestern Bell. Donna was known for her generous heart and playful spirit.

She later joined Research Medical Center in the data processing department, where she dedicated more than 40 years of service before retiring. Donna truly loved her work and the people she worked alongside. They were like family and brought her immense joy.

Donna filled her life with things she loved: bowling, exercise, shopping, traveling, and simply having fun. Most of all, she treasured time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a beautiful way of embracing life, always saying “yes” to adventures and bringing her sense of fun and laughter wherever she went. Her spirit will live on in the family she adored and in the many lives she brightened with her warmth, generosity, and joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents Don and Dorothy Cross, two sisters, Dorothy L. Robinson and Barbara A. Brooks, and her son-in-law Mark A. Thomas.

Donna is survived by her daughters, Debra MacMillan and Denise Thomas; her beloved grandchildren, Rachel Thomas (and Matt Verlinden), Jacob Thomas (and Linda Thomas), Sam Thomas (and Liam Henneberg), Stuart MacMillan, and Don MacMillan; her cherished great-grandchildren, Ethan MacMillan, Abby Thomas, and Maya Thomas; her adored sisters, Josephine Mitchell, Patsy Cross, and Elaine King; and her many special friends and extended family.

A celebration of life will be held on April 13th at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe, Kansas with visitation at 12, and service beginning at 1.

Memorial contributions in memory of Donna may be made to the Independence Cemetery c/o Citizen Bank, Hume, MO 64752.