Donna C. Saylor

Donna Cecil (Porter) Saylor, 79, of Sabetha, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Donna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, volunteer, and woman of faith whose life reflected her generous heart, love of family, and service to others.

Donna was born on May 4, 1947, in Ottawa, Kansas, to Thomas “Tom” and Mildred “Mickey” (Mages) Porter. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree. A blind date introduced Donna to the love of her life, Kent Saylor. They married on June 21, 1969, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than five decades. While Kent attended law school, Donna taught preschool and kindergarten in DeSoto, Kansas. After he graduated, they moved to Kent’s hometown of Morrill, Kansas, where Donna continued her teaching career in the Sabetha community.

After the birth of the first of their four daughters, family became the true center of Donna’s world. She was her daughters’ and grandchildren’s greatest supporter and spent countless happy hours cheering them on through games, performances, activities, accomplishments, and milestones. Few things brought her more joy than being present for the people she loved.

Donna had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. She was always ready for the next destination and treasured the opportunity to experience new places with family and friends. A loyal sports fan, she enthusiastically cheered for her beloved Kansas Jayhawks throughout her life. Blessed with a deep appreciation for the arts, Donna especially enjoyed music, theatre, and performances at the Lied Center at the University of Kansas. She was also an avid reader and rarely without a good book nearby or waiting on her bedside table.

Donna believed deeply in giving back to her community. Over the years, she generously volunteered her time and talents to local schools, the Morrill City Council, PEO, Meals on Wheels, and numerous other organizations and causes. Her deep faith guided her throughout her life. Donna was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church parish in Sabetha, where she faithfully served as a CCD teacher, sacristan, and Eucharistic Minister. She also cherished the friendship, fellowship, and spiritual connections she shared with her Bible Study Group.

Above all, Donna will be remembered for the love she gave so freely to her family and to those around her. Her greatest legacy lives in the family she loved, encouraged, supported, and celebrated throughout her life. Donna’s life was one of faith, family, generosity, curiosity, and joy. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all blessed to have known her.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Mildred Porter; her sister, Patricia (Porter) Little; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norman and LaVaun Saylor; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Sharon Schaefer.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, Kent Saylor; her four daughters, Amy (Jason) Mitchell, Elizabeth (Richard) Cole, Catherine (Nathan) Boles, and Denise (Daniel) Phelan; her nine grandchildren, Braden (Aly) Mitchell, Kennedy Mitchell, Halley Mitchell, Reid Mitchell, Peyton Cole, Landon Cole, Elliott Boles, Sophia Boles, and Aurora Phelan; her sister, Diann (Bruce) Prentice; her brother, Charles (Margaret) Porter; her brother-in-law, Kurt (Melissa) Saylor; and her many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sabetha. A rosary will be prayed on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Following the rosary, visitation will be held at the church from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Morrill Cemetery in Morrill, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Donna’s honor to the two organizations close to her heart, Sabetha Community Hospital and Meals on Wheels, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.