Donna Rose Bevan

Donna Rose (Pankratz) Bevan was born in Hillsboro, Kansas on May 26, 1931. She was the first child of Dan and Nellie Pankratz of Hillsboro. She spent her first years in school in Hillsboro, Durham and Herington before moving to Marion for High School. After the move to Marion her mother Nellie became ill, and she took over most of her care in addition to caring for younger sister Elda and brother Jay as well as the home. Her mother passed away in 1955 and Donna then went to work for Broadstreet Studio in Marion. She was employed there until she married Velber Bevan on May 5, 1956, at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Marion. Velber worked as a signal maintainer for the Rock Island Railroad and their first home was Peabody, Kansas. His position demand moves to McPherson, Pratt, and Hutchinson, where they lived there until he retired. Together, they were always dedicated in their Faith and their Church where regular attendance and participation were a major part of their lives. Donna lived her Faith and dedicated and shared a beautiful singing voice in worship services, weddings, funerals, and other special events, she also had a wonderful gift as a pianist and shared her talent with others even when the last years of her life were difficult due to her health. She shared her talents with love which the family always felt. She and Velber shared 57 years of marriage and she cared for him in a special way, especially when his work schedule included working all hours of the day and night.

She leaves a sister Elda and her husband Stanley Bettin; brother Jay Pankratz and his wife Gloria; two nieces, Janelle Bettin Martin and husband Andy and Joanna Bettin Walters; two nephews, Bryce Bettin and wife Tamara and Alan Pankratz and wife Chris; seven great nephews, three great nieces, and two great-great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Nellie Pankratz, a stepmother Tina Pankratz and infant brother Dale. Her family was always her priority. She shared Christian love with her family and always extended that love to those who needed help. She followed Christ’s example of kindness, sharing and concern for those who were a part of her life. She lost her husband Velber on August 26, 2013. She has since lived in assisted living at Wesley Towers in Hutchinson and at Bickford House in Overland Park, Kansas. She went to her eternal reward on January 6, 2022. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 11am at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home in Marion, Kansas. The family has asked for memorials to be made to Kindred Hospice. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Donna at www.yazelmeglifh.com.