Donna Kay (McCracken) Guess

Donna Kay (McCracken) Guess, age 83 of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away on April 22nd at the St. Luke’s Hospice House of Kansas City. Donna was born on July 23, 1940, in Trenton, Missouri, to Donald “Duck” and Mildred (Miller) McCracken.

Donna, the cheerleading Snow Queen of Trenton High School, graduated with the class of 1958 in Trenton, Missouri, then furthered her education at Draughton Business School in Kansas City, while nannying for a set of twin boys. She returned to Trenton and worked at Montgomery Wards; Pickett, Anderck, & Hauck Lawfirm; and finally Grundy Electric. Donna married Richard (Glee) Guess on July 31, 1965, at Trenton Baptist Church. The couple moved to Hamburg, Iowa where Glee served as the high school principal and Donna was the church secretary. During that time, son Chris was born. In 1968 they moved to Van Meter, Iowa where Glee became superintendent of schools. While in Van Meter, daughters Jill and Jodi were born. Donna managed the Poverty Cafe, owned/managed The Bulldog Inn ice cream shop, served as a Boy Scout and Girl Scout Leader, taught Sunday school, and managed several apartment complexes they owned. Next Donna and Glee headed to southern Iowa when Glee became superintendent of schools in Seymour from 1981-1996. While in Seymour, Donna held many jobs: dental assistant in Corydon, receptionist for Dr. Merritt of Seymour, Jafra skin care consultant, owner of Jose’s Pool Hall, donut and pizza maker for Casey’s General Store, babysitter for Tatum Starcevich, Seymour Housing manager, and owner of Eleanore’s Flower Kart in Trenton. Donna also served as a member/past president of PEO, Seymour Little League concession stand manager, and did the Seymour Scene for the radio. Perhaps her favorite claim to fame was throwing the opening pitch for the Kansas City Royals in July of 1994 after winning a contest sponsored by the Trenton McDonald’s. After Glee retired from Iowa, the Guesses moved to Glee’s hometown, Albany, MO. In Albany. Donna served as a paraprofessional for 2 students very dear to her heart. She loved those kids as her own.

Donna was an avid supporter of the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. She followed Mahomes, Coach Reid, Kelcie, and Taylor Swift, and loved it all! She treasured time spent with family, attending as many activities of her kids and grandkids as she physically could. Phone calls and FaceTime visits were always welcomed. Donna Kay was the queen of great one-liners with her quick wit. It was rare to have a conversation with her without at least one laughing spell. No one ever left the Guess home without a large meal. Donna would have a full buffet in a matter of minutes whenever company was coming. Watching son Chris coach girls basketball was her favorite past time. She faithfully watched Chris’s teams from Centerville, Glenwood, Ottumwa, Waukee High School, Waukee Northwest, and the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. She watched online and passionately yelled with each possession.

Donna is survived by her children: Chris (Sheri) Guess of Maryville, MO/Van Meter, IA; Jill (Kevin) Crall of Albia, IA; Jodi (Chatten) Scruggs of Lee’s Summit, MO. Grandchildren: Cassie (Colton) Cason and Callah of Pella, IA; Casey (Madison) Guess and Carter of Granger, IA; Cade Crall of Waukee, IA; Connor Guess of Lee’s Summit, MO; Charlee Scruggs of Fayetteville, AR. Brother Bill (Lynda) McCracken of Trenton, MO; brothers-in-law Vince (Sandi) Guess of Scottsdale, AZ; Bill Guess of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law Glenda Guess of Springfield, MO; sister-in-law Cindy McCracken of Trenton, MO; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Glee; parents, Duck and Mildred McCracken; brother Bob McCracken; six brothers-in-law: Max (Freda), Maurice (Nell), Forrest, Wendell (Margaret Ann), Jim (Twila), Larry; sister-in-law Joyce (Rex) Newman.

Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Friday, April 26 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. Burial in the Grandview Cemetery, Albany. The family will receive friends 9:00 – 10:00 AM on Friday prior to the service. Friends may call anytime after 8:30 AM Friday morning.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Trenton High School Cheerleaders, Donna’s alma mater in care of Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com