Donna J. Menges

Donna J (Dawson) Menges, 85 long time La Junta resident (currently living at Fowler Nursing Care Center) passed away unexpectedly Friday April 8, 2016, at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center. She was born on March 15, 1931 in Solomon, KS. To James & Josephine (Divine) Dawson.
 
She married Gerald E. Menges in Abilene, KS on May 14, 1948. Donna and Gerald would have celebrated their 68th anniversary next month.  Donna and Gerald moved to La Junta, Colorado for Gerald’s employment with the Santa Fe Railroad for 28 yrs. and he was employed by the City of La Junta as the City Electrical Inspector.
 
Donna knew no stranger she loved people. She worked at France’s café and Mor-Value stamp store. Donna enjoyed volunteering in numerous ways, in the past she served as a cub scout den leader for her son’s while in scouting, being leader for Girl Scouts, volunteered at Ft Lyon VA medical center through VFW Post 2411, enjoyed camping along with numerous crafting skills such as crocheting, knitting, plastic canvas and many other crafts.  Active members of the Arkansas Valley Good Sam’s, with volunteering at the local and state level traveling throughout Colorado and numerous other states.  Donna was a proud mother of two sons that served in the US Army during the Viet Nam conflict, supporting them and all veterans through the VFW. She hosted many years of holiday dinners for family and friends and did not let her arthritis get her down.
 
Donna is survived by her husband, Gerald of the Fowler Nursing Care Center; children, Warren Menges of Walsenburg, CO; Sandra (Tom) Pryor of Newton, KS;  Jerry (Rita) Menges of Sanford, CO; Terry (Karen) Menges of La Junta, CO and Kurt (Judy) Menges of La Junta, CO; grandchildren, Casi Wilkerson of Gig Harbor, WA; Tave (Erin) Pryor of Newton, KS; Brandi (Brandon) Lies of Newton, KS; Jennifer Solis of Fowler, CO, Sara (Diego) Jose, Amy Menges, Mathew Menges, Luke Menges, Marianna (Luis) Pereyra, Christina (Mark) Turner all of Alamosa, CO; Chris (Renee) Menges of La Junta, CO; Terry Menges Jr. of Coupeville, WA; Kimberly (Brandon) Lebsock of Ft Collins, CO; Tonya (Travis) Hadaway of Pueblo West, CO; Melissa (Luke) Smith of Falcon, CO; Kristen (Wade) McClung of Frisco, TX; 29 great-grandchildren also survive; brother,  Glen (Joan ) Dawson of Abilene, KS; sister, Ellen (Gib) Houlton of Abilene, KS; brother-in-law’s, Ronnie (Marilyn) Menges of Kansas City, MO and Max (Cheryl) Menges of Topeka, KS; sister-in-law’s, Carol (Gary)Williams of Hayden, CO and Dottie Menges of Wheatridge, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jimmie Dawson; brother-in-law’s, Charles, Kenneth & Leroy Menges; sister-in-law, Margaret Menges.
   
In lieu of flowers those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to Las Animas, VFW Post # 2411 direct or through the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
 
 
 
 
 
 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel with Pastor Ed Kite of the First Church of God officiating.