Donna Lenhart's Obituary
Donna Lenhart Obituary
A memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Donna Lenhart will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 16, 2018 in the Leonard United Methodist Church. She will be laid to rest in Bixby Cemetery. Viewing will be 3:00-5:00 p.m. Thursday, November 15, 2018 at Bixby Funeral Service. Born October 14, 1932 in Holton, Kansas, Donna Lucille Lenhart grew up the middle child and the only daughter of Frank and Gladys (Bender) DeBusk. Donna's father found work on a farm near Ellinwood, KS and it was there that the family lived. Frank was paid $1.00 per day and, in addition to receiving this wage and a home, he was given a steer and hog to feed his family. Donna often recounted these days as the good old days and although the family was poor, she nor her brothers realized it. It was a common way of life. Donna's brothers would both grow up and join the military. Donna could recall listening to the radio and hearing the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Once the war was over, Donna, while still in school, would meet a Navy man who had made his home in Kansas. Paul Lenhart was the young man's name. Interestingly, the two met while he was on a date with a teacher and chaperoning one of Donna's school dances. The two found themselves engaged in conversation and that very night Donna went home to tell her parents that she met the man she was going to marry. Upon meeting her parents, Paul hit it off with Donna's dad. It was not uncommon from that point forward for Donna to convince Paul to come over so he could "talk to her dad." It would be on January 22, 1950, at the age of 17, that Donna became united in marriage to Paul. This was no ordinary wedding as they had a double wedding with friends Donna and Pete Adams. The two couples even went on a double honeymoon together. "The love of my life" is how Donna explained Paul. A story she told was of Paul taking her to the movies, early on, to see a Doris Day film. She said somewhere during the movie Paul grabbed her hand and her heart began to flutter. She said she didn't remember much about the movie after that. Donna continued to have those same feelings for Paul throughout their marriage. In return, he doted on her - taking wonderful care of her. So much so that it was not until after his passing, in 1981, that she had to fill her own car up with gas or even pay a bill. "Paul makes the living and I make the living worthwhile". That was a common statement from Donna as she embraced her role as wife, mother and homemaker. Her home was one that was always open, especially to kids. And as she became a grandmother and great-grandmother, she welcomed her grands with open arms - keeping up with their every move. When her grandchildren needed advice or encouragement, Grandma Donna was one person they were sure to call or go see. It has been said of Donna that, "Grandma's prayers are answered." Donna was sure to pray for her children and family daily.A woman of integrity, Donna was a loyal and faithful follower of Christ. She was the family's moral compass and was a wonderful role model. In addition to her faith, Donna was an avid reader, she also enjoyed watching classic movies and listening to the sounds of Big Band music. There is no doubt that Donna will be missed. However, her legacy will continue to live on through her family. Those surviving include: her children: daughter, Susan Hubler and husband, Tom of Holmesville, OH; sons: Doug Lenhart and wife, Jamie of Wooster, OH; David Lenhart and wife, Leslie of Stillwater, OK Mark Lenhart and wife, Lori and Mike Lenhart and wife, Missy all of Coweta. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Paul; brothers: Frank, Jr. and John DeBusk along with her parents. Donna passed away on Monday, November 12, 2018. She was 86.Visitation Bixby Funeral Service 13307 S. Memorial Dr. Bixby, Oklahoma 74008 3:00 PM - 5:00 PMService Leonard United Methodist Church 16821 S. 159th East Ave. Bixby, Oklahoma 74008 11:30 AM
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Donna Lenhart, please visit our floral store.
Read More
What’s your fondest memory of Donna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donna?
Share a story where Donna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donna you’ll never forget.
How did Donna make you smile?