Donita H. Goyen

Donita H. Goyen, age 78,  of McPherson, Kansas and formerly of Winona, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

Donita was born in Dodge City, Kansas on March 23, 1943, oldest child of Harvey and Doris (Hurley) Russell.  Donita grew up in Ensign, Kansas and graduated from Ensign High School in 1961.  After graduation, she attended classes at American Business College in Wichita.  Donita H. Russell was united in marriage to A. Duane Goyen on December 8, 1961, Wichita, Kansas.  Donita and Duane eventually made their home in Winona, Kansas.  Their marriage was blessed with the birth of a son Kevin, son Devin, and daughter Tandy.  Duane and Donita were married for 35 years, until his death on June 29, 1997.

Donita was a 50+ year member of the Winona United Methodist Church in Winona, Kansas.  In the Winona church, she was a member of the Wesleyan Circle, served as a Sunday School teacher, and was a Sunday School Superintendent.  She also was a member of the Winona United Methodist choir and loved singing together with church and community members.  In recent years, after a move to McPherson, KS, she became an associate member of the McPherson Church of the Brethren.

Donita provided childcare for many years in her home.  She was a second mom to many local children in Winona, watching many children from birth until they entered school.  In some families, she cared for two generations of children.  Donita was the bookkeeper for 17 years for Garvey Elevators, Inc. in Winona.  Then, she served as the bookkeeper at Winona Feed & Grain for the next 17 years.  During her years in the grain business, she, Duane, and their children treasured memories and friendships made with co-workers, farm families, truck drivers and harvest crews.

Donita enjoyed hobbies of bowling, painting, reading, and attending school functions.  She treasured spending time with her family and friends and especially her grandchildren,  and great-grandchildren.  

Donita is survived by her brother Jonnie Russell (Sue) of Cottonwood, AZ; sister-in-law Betty Chapman (Jim) of Woodward, Oklahoma; son Kevin Goyen (Dorena) of Kingman, KS; son Devin Goyen of Kendall, KS; daughter Tandy Goyen Wine (Doug) of McPherson, KS; grandchildren, Sarah Scott (Charles), Skyler Goyen (Lisa), Kylie Stithem (Darin), and Spenser Wine; and four great-grandchildren.

Donita was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Doris Russell; and her husband, Duane Goyen.

A public Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 12, at the Winona First United Methodist Church (Winona, KS).   A private family burial will follow at the Winona Cemetery.  A public reception will be held after the burial back at the church. To view a recording of the service, please click here: https://fb.watch/biA-m34hNx/

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Women & Children Combatting Cancer (McPherson), Haiti Medical Project Endowment (McPherson), and Dr. LaDonna Regier’s African Mission (Colby, KS).  Memorial Contributions can be sent in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, Kansas 67460.