Margo Donelson

Margo was born on January 24, 1949, in Vaiden, Mississippi, where she spent her childhood. She eventually made her home in Kansas, where she met the love of her life, Lewis Donelson. Margo and Lewis were married on December 29, 1986, and together they built a life centered around love, family, faith, friendship, and the simple joys of everyday life. They loved every minute of their journey together.

Margo was a hardworking woman who took great pride in her career. She retired from Colgate-Palmolive Company after 28 years of dedicated service. During her years there, she formed many meaningful and lasting friendships with the people she worked alongside. Her career was an important part of her life, and she was proud of the work she accomplished and the relationships she built throughout those 28 years.

Margo had a special appreciation for nature. She loved feeding the orioles and hummingbirds and found great pleasure in watching the songbirds who frequented her yard. Margo enjoyed tending her gardens and truly had a green thumb. She and Lew cared for their magnificent gardens together, filling their yard with flowers, vegetables, and fruit. The bounty they grew was shared with family and friends, because Margo found just as much joy in giving as she did in growing her garden.

She loved spending time with her closest friends playing Bingo. Margo brought her enthusiasm and competitive spirit to every game and frequently took home prizes. Her laughter, energy, and love of friendly competition were just another part of what made her so much fun to be around. Margo's faith was an important part of her life. She attended Linn Valley Community Church and cherished the loving church family she found there.

For Margo, holidays were meant to be celebrated—and celebrated well. She was a generous host and loved welcoming family and friends to her home. She’d decorate beautifully for every occasion and made sure there was plenty of homemade food to go around. Gatherings were filled with laughter, conversation, love, and memories cherished for years to come.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edd, and Mary Leamond; and her brothers, Frank and William Leamond.

Margo is survived by her loving husband, Lewis Donelson; her children, Tammy Simpson, Wesley Simpson III, and Mary Simpson; eight grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Linn Valley Lakes Clubhouse on Sunday, September 13, at 1:00 PM. A potluck style meal will be provided. If you’re able, we kindly ask that you bring a side dish to share. Please also feel free to bring flowers that remind you of Margo, if able. Flowers can also be sent to Lewis Donelson, 14 Deerfield Drive, Linn Valley, KS 66040.