Donna Gentile

Donna L. Gentile, age 78 of Olathe, Kansas passed away on December 17, 2010 of complications from a stroke suffered early in 2010.
Donna was born on May 8, 1932 in Columbus, Ohio to John and Irene Slocum. She attended public schools in Columbus graduating from North High School in 1950 with straight A's. During her four years in high school, she was a member of The National Honor Society and various other clubs. She subsequently studied at and graduated from The Ohio State University in June, 1954 with two degrees; education and psychology. While at Ohio State, she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, Block "O", Boot and Saddle Club, Children's Literature Club, French Club and Mid-Mirrors.
In June, 1955, she married her husband of 55 years, Raymond Gentile, also of Columbus. Together, they raised three children; Douglas, Suzanne Fisher and Jill Gentile. The family moved from Columbus to Johnson County in 1964 after her husband joined TWA as a pilot. They first lived in Leawood and moved to Olathe in 1969 where they have since resided.
Donna taught grade school from 1954 until 1960 and was a substitute teacher for another ten years. While in Columbus she also worked part-time as a fashion model for the largest agency in Columbus. From 1970, she worked at the Olathe Public Library in the children's department on a part time basis until 1980 when she retired to enjoy her home and pursue her great passion and pleasure of horseback riding with her horse 'Duke', which she kept on the family farm together with her dogs and cats. During the late 1960's and 1970's she was a member of The Heart of America Riding Club.
Donna's greatest passion in life other than her family and horses was flowers. She grew and cultivated English Roses among many others. And every perennial was her 'favorite'. She never met a perennial she didn't love. She was very gifted in caring for and growing flowers of all types and kept her home filled with fresh flowers picked from her gardens.
She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband Ray, a sister, Barbara Jones of Columbus, children Douglas and his wife Jeannie, Suzanne and Jill and grandchildren John and Morgan Gentile of Loch Lloyd and a niece, Bari Scarberry and nephew, Rick Jones, both of Columbus.
Donna was always a happy and outgoing person who took great pleasure and pride in her family and loved them all. She was a wonderful wife and a dedicated and devoted mother and grandmother who will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Together with Ray and the family she visited many cities and countries throughout the United States and the world taking great pleasure in visiting historical sites and making many friends along the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to Wayside Waifs of Kansas City.