Donna Landrith

(From Parker Mortuary)

Donna Landrith, age 87, passed away on April 22, 2026, at The Gardens at Aldersgate in Topeka, Kansas, following an extended illness. She was born on August 3, 1938, in Stella, Missouri, to William W. Kitts and Bonnie Ozelle (Blankenship) Kitts.

Donna spent her early years in Stella before moving to Joplin, Missouri, where she graduated from Joplin High School in 1956. Donna married Robert “Bob” Owen in 1956. From that union were born four children. In 1975, she married Don Landrith, and they shared 41 wonderful years until his passing in 2017.






Donna was a joyful, loving, and kind-hearted soul who brightened the lives of all who knew her. She had a deep appreciation for the charm of old homes, a passion for finding the perfect antique, and a love of music, dancing, and laughter that she shared with family and friends. She carried herself with timeless elegance and an unmistakable zest for life. She worked for many years as a Clinique representative. During her time with Clinique, she had the ability to enhance the beauty of customers. Donna had a sincere desire to build self-confidence, which gained her a loyal following from teens to women in their 80s. Customers would wait in line for her skin care advice and makeovers. They all wanted the secret to achieving the radiant look that she possessed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don Landrith; her brother, Dale Kitts; and her brother-in-law, Sandy Jolly.

Donna is survived by her children: Deborah Emerick of Topeka, Kansas; Kimberly Russell of Joplin, Missouri; Dallas Owen of Joplin, Missouri; and Melissa Unrein (Pat Jr.) of Topeka, Kansas. Her grandchildren also survive her—Jessica Brown, Cole Brown, JulieAnne Emerick, Carlos Ransom, Corie Hengst, Ryan Russell, Whitney Russell, Danielle Black, Carson Owen, Patrick Unrein III, and Ali Unrein—as well as 15 great-grandchildren.

Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Cathy Jolly; her brother, Tom Kitts (Lorraine); and her sister-in-law, Vicki Kitts.

A graveside service will be held at Macedonia Cemetery in Stella, Missouri, on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Donna’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Parker Mortuary.