Donna Foster

Donna Lee (Darby) Foster, 94, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Satanta District Hospital. She was born on November 7, 1930, in Junction City, Kansas, to Iris S. (Topliff) and Andrew M. Darby. Donna graduated from Hays High School and later earned her degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Art, from Fort Hays State University. While attending Fort Hays, she became a proud member of the Delta Zeta Sorority and met her future husband, Donald Wyeth “Don” Foster. The two were married on August 5, 1951, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays, Kansas.

Donna’s teaching career was another significant aspect of her life. Early in their marriage, she taught Kindergarten in Hill City while Don was serving in the Army. After moving to Satanta, she continued her teaching career at Satanta Elementary School, where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade for many years. She had a profound impact on the lives of countless students, instilling in them a love of learning and a sense of curiosity that lasted long after they left her classroom.

Donna was a lifelong Girl Scout and devoted much of her time to scouting as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader for her children. She was deeply committed to helping kids grow and develop through these programs. A proud member of the YO Club and the United Methodist Women, Donna was also an active member of the Satanta United Methodist Church.

In addition to her community involvement, Donna was a member of the Kansas Arts Council, further supporting the arts in Kansas. She served on the Dudley Township Library Board and was a founding member of the Satanta Arts Council, where she helped nurture and promote the arts in her local community. In her free time, she loved quilting and working on other creative projects. Her home was a reflection of her creativity—beautiful and filled with art, showcasing her love for craftsmanship and personal expression.

Travel was another great passion of Donna’s. She and Don explored many countries together, including Spain, Italy, Colombia, and Tahiti. One of their most memorable adventures was sailing around the Horn of South America, an experience that they cherished throughout their lives.

Donna’s legacy is one of kindness, creativity, and dedication to her family, community, and the countless children whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Robert Foster and wife Laura of Wichita, KS, Stephanie Gomez and husband Art of Scott City, KS, and Troy Foster of Overland Park, KS; granddaughters, Skyla Foster and husband Daniel of Wichita, KS and Erin Shilling of Manhattan, KS; and great-grandchildren, Garrett Foster, Amelia Shilling, and Elleanor Shilling.

She is preceded in death by her husband Don Foster; parents, Andrew and Iris Darby; and a brother, Marshall Darby.

There will be no public viewing, as cremation has already taken place. A private family service will be held in the Spring.

Memorial contributions can be made payable to Satanta Happy Agers or Satanta Arts Council in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com