Donna D. Huxman

Donna Denese Lott-Huxman

Donna was born in Hill City, Kansas on the date of April 30, 1932, to her parents George and Mary (Wagner) Lott.

Donna was an only child.

The family lived on a farm in Bow Creek, Graham County, North West of Hill City until the year 1942, when they moved to town after they lost the farm.

Donna lived in an era where family lifestyle was simple. She lived in the depression era, the dirt storm, grasshopper invasion and other hard times.

As a way of transportation to school, she rode June, her horse.

She attended a country school; in the 5th grade she started school in town; graduated from Hill City High School in the year 1950; and attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. Years later, Donna enrolled in Washburn University in Topeka, Majoring in Business Administration, and graduated with a BA Degree on the date of May 18, 1980.

Donna was a worker, even at a young age, when she was in the 8th grade.
Donna worked at the Moore Hotel, Kobler's Drug Store, Buck's Grill, and the Graham County Abstract Office.

At the Moore Hotel, there was a café as well. Donna cleaned rooms during the day and worked in the café in the evening. At Buck's Grill, she worked as a waitress after school. At the Graham Abstract Office, she helped type abstracts.

Donna was a worker who handled stress exceptionally. Through the years she advanced in her position as an Accountant with the State of Kansas.
Donna's employment History with the State of Kansas – October, 1959 – June, 1977 – She worked at the Grain Inspection Department as an Account Clerk. Donna was nicknamed "Tiger" by her fellow co-workers. June, 1977 – January, 1982 – Worked in the Department of Revenue.

In the year 1982, Donna joined the Kansas Corporation Commission. Donna was the agency's Chief Fiscal Officer. She managed the commission's budget and assisted other staff in preparation of each division budget. Her employment level was raised to an Accountant IV.

Donna was responsible for computerizing the agency's accounting system. When computers were still new in the work force, Donna convinced the board for approval to budget computers. They had the first computers in the State Agency.
Her accomplishments while working at the Kansas Corporation Commission – Employee of the Month – July, 1989; Employee of the Year – September, 1989; and Employee of the Month – February, 2000.

After 42 years of working for the State of Kansas, on September 29, 2000, Donna retired from the Kansas Corporation Commission. A retirement party was given in her honor. Her family came in attendance to honor Donna. Retiring from work, however, was very difficult for Donna as she is one who preferred to keep busy.

In the year 2002, Donna volunteered her time with the Kansas International Museum, exhibiting Russia's Treasures: Czars: 400 Years of Imperial Grandeur.

It was at Buck's Grill that she met her future husband and soul mate, Marion Huxman. One of the employee's was talking about this good looking man that came into the café. When Donna saw Marion, her first impression was, "there was nothing there for me." Donna did go out with Marion when he asked her out for a date. They went to a movie titled "My Foolish Heart." Marion did something that truly surprised Donna. On their first date he gave her a vanity set (brush, a hand held mirror, and a music box.) Donna was literally dumbfounded ty this action as this does not usually happen except in movies.

After Donna graduated from high school, and attended Bethany College, it was with this separation that both realized how much they loved each other and wanted to spend the rest of their life together.

Marion and Donna were married June 29, 1951, at the Methodist Church in Hill City.

On the eve of their wedding, a rain storm came through the area. Many flowers that were going to be used in the wedding were destroyed. There were a few flowers that were collected from a lady's garden that were used for her flower bouquet and decorations.
Donna's wedding dress was her prom dress. Although Donna can handle stress on her job, some stresses she definitely cannot handle and choosing a wedding dress was one of them. It bothered Donna so much that even trying or thinking about wedding dresses she'd become ill. So she decided her prom dress would do as a wedding dress, therefore she wore her prom dress.

Donna's wedding colors were pink and lilac. Wedding Songs: "I Love YouTruly" and "The Lord's Prayer."

Two children were born from this union –daughter, Melanie Ann, and son, Mark Edward. Through the years, they adopted many cats and dogs into the family. Each time they both expressed "no more pets," but a stray cat or dog on their hearts and eventually became part of the family.

In the year, 2011, the family was sorely challenged in dealing with Donna's health and her changing lifestyle. In the short span of three months, August to October, Donna had a heart attack, and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Instead of placing Donna in a nursing facility to be cared for, away from her home and pets, home that she is familiar in her environment, pets who are her family, that gives her love, and companionship, Guardian Angels was contacted in regards to giving Donna the care she needed.

The caregivers devoted their time with Donna 24 hours a day. The adjustment period had been difficult on Donna to accept strangers in her home all of the time. The caregivers have been very diligent, and patient in dealing with her moods. The ladies have taken Donna on outings, to her appointments, assist when needed, even taking her in their homes. In time, Donna came to appreciate the ladies. These ladies have been a blessing to ease the worries and concerns from family who were not able to care for Donna.

All of this could have been taken with great despair if not through God's grace, love, strength and guidance that we've been able to endure the challenges that have been laid before us during that time.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion, on May 15, 2006.

Surviving are a daughter: Melanie Ann Huxman-Hickok (Jim) of Ulysses, Kansas; son: Mark Edward Huxman, Sr. of Topeka, Kansas; grandson: Mark Edward Huxman, Jr. of Topeka; and two great-grandsons: Collin Edward Huxman and Landon David Huxman, both of Topeka, Kansas.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Monday, August 10, 2015, at First Southern Baptist Church, 1912 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka. Interment will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 3616 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka.

Donna will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Sunday, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608-0350 or Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66604-3720.