Donna Baney

Donna Joy Baney passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024, in her hometown of Benkelman, Nebraska. Donna was born on January 30, 1932, in Benkelman, to Elmer and Ella (Osborn) Pursley, she spent her life building a legacy of love, community, and devotion to family.

On June 26, 1949, Donna married the love of her life, Billie Baney, at the Methodist Church in Benkelman. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home, living in various places including Parks and Denver, before eventually returning to Benkelman. Throughout her life, she was actively involved in community organizations such as the Red Hat Club and within the Benkelman Friends Church she was a part of teaching Sunday school to the youth of Benkelman, NE and loved being a part of the Singing Friends.

 Contributing to her community and raising her family was a source of pride for Donna. She began her career early in life working at a grocery store in Benkelman. Her compassion and dedication then led her to serve as an aide at Morehouse Hospital and later the Dundy County Hospital. In her later years, she found joy in the familiar surroundings of the Dundy County Stratton High School library, where she continued to connect with the youth.

Educated in Parks, NE, and having attended school in Oregon, Arizona, and Idaho, Donna’s thirst for knowledge was evident throughout her life. She embodied the spirit of kindness, never knowing a stranger, and touched the lives of many, greeting everyone with a warm felt hug.

During her life, she cherished the moments spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially attending their sport events. She had a particular fondness for basketball, as well as an apparent lack of enthusiasm for the referee’s decisions. Her interests also included gardening, sewing, candle wicking, coloring pictures, and working with the youth group at her church.

 Donna is survived by her son, Randy (Susie) Baney of Benkelman, NE; daughters Vicky (Jerry) Mercer of Eudora, KS; Sharon (Greg) Jamieson of Summerville, SC; and daughter-in-law Becky Baney of Ocala, FL. Additionally, she leaves behind her brother Earl (Barbara) Pursley of McCook, NE; sisters-in-law Donna Pursley of Phoenix, AZ, Helen Hanson of Benkelman, NE, Ruby Stock of McCook, NE, and Mary Baney of Benkelman, NE. Her loving memory will also be cherished by her grandchildren Dawnita Mercer of Summerville, SC, Brad (Michelle) Baney of Benkelman, NE, Jason (Lisa) Mercer of Omaha, NE, Katie Baney of Kearney, NE, Chad (Jen) Baney of Patterson, GA, Nick (Shelby) Baney of Benkelman, NE, Casey (Annie) Baney of Des Moines, IA, Colton (Jessica) Jamieson of Summerville, SC, and Sarah Jamieson (fiancé Nicholas) of Summerville, SC. Followed by 18 great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Billie, her son Ricky Baney, her infant great-grandson David Baney, and brothers Glen (Lorene) Pursley and Gene Pursley.

A visitation will be held on October 6, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Benkelman Memorial Chapel, located at 205 Buffalo St, Benkelman, NE. The funeral service will take place the following day, Monday, October 7, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Grace Methodist Church, 803 Chief Street, Benkelman, NE with Ret. Pastor Janie Freeman officiating. Interment to follow at Benkelman Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Grace Methodist Church of Benkelman or The Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Memory of Donna.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.liewerfuneralhome.com

Benkelman Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.