Donna Lee Goins

Donna Lee Goins, 92, of Seneca, Kansas, went peacefully to the Lord on March 2, 2025.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 5, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home in Axtell. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Donna’s remarkable life.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m. at the Axtell United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Axtell. The Mock Family Singers will honor Donna's memory with music, including beloved hymns such as “Lord of the Dance,” “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky,” and “There’s Something About That Name.” Pallbearers will include Gene Schmits, Brice Schmits, Jason Schmits, Clyde Mock, Brent Smith, and Dale Shirley.

Born on September 22, 1932, near Douglas, Nebraska, Donna was the daughter of LeRoy Alvin “Hap” and Vera Mae (Brugman) Sugden. She spent her childhood in Nebraska before moving to Randolph, Iowa, where she graduated from Randolph High School in 1949. She briefly worked for Mutual of Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska.

A blind date introduced Donna to Lloyde Goins, who was on crutches recovering from an injury at the time—an ironic twist given that Donna was not fond of dancing. They were united in marriage on January 6, 1951, in a small ceremony before Lloyde reported to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Following his honorable discharge, they moved around for various jobs until settling in Axtell where Lloyde joined the local REC.

Donna was known for her culinary skills and her warm-hearted nature, ensuring no one ever went hungry. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, deeply involved in the activities of her church community. From preparing meals for church events to serving as secretary for the United Methodist Women, her life revolved around her faith and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Lloyde, and her sister, Arlene Mae Tackett.

Donna is survived by her daughters: Pamela (Clyde) Mock of Topeka, Kansas, and Candy (Gene) Schmits of Seneca; her grandchildren: Brice (Amanda) Schmits of Wichita, Kansas, Jason (fiancé Amber Lord) Schmits of Lawrence, Kansas, and Shelly (Brent) Smith of Seneca; as well as three great-grandchildren: Liam Schmits, Evelyn Schmits, and Lenora Smith.

In honor of Donna's legacy, a memorial fund has been established in her name, with designations to be determined later. Contributions may be directed through the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home, care of Kinsley Mortuary, PO Box 147, Marysville, Kansas 66508.