Carrie Ettie (Donovan) Zerr, 81, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on August 1, 2026. She was born April 17, 1945, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Dale and Alice (Cromwell) Donovan.
Carrie and her husband, Del, shared 62 years of marriage and built a life centered around their family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Carrie was known for her beautiful smile, quick wit, sarcasm, strong opinions, and fierce love for those closest to her.
She enjoyed reading, gardening, flowers, jigsaw puzzles, trips to the beach, and cheering for the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, and KU Jayhawks. She also volunteered and served on the board of the Mission Thrift Shop in Wellington, Kansas.
Carrie is survived by her husband, Del; their three children, Dawna Grose and husband Rick of Bazine, Kansas, Curt Zerr and wife Jacinda of Overland Park, Kansas, and Heather McGillivray and husband Kyle of Roswell, Georgia; six grandchildren, Kayla Witthuhn and husband Dusty of Bazine, Kansas, Kyle Grose and wife Carlie of Roeland Park, Kansas, Jordan Zerr and Ryan DeLong of Overland Park, Kansas, Camron Zerr and wife Haley of Overland Park, Kansas, Katy McGillivray of Tucson, Arizona, and Ross McGillivray of Roswell, Georgia; four great-grandchildren, Koen, Hayden, Molly, and Marlo; and her brother, LeRoy Donovan of Hoisington, Kansas..
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Delmar Donovan, Virgil Donovan, and Carl Donovan; and her sister, Lois Feldt.
Carrie’s family was not simply part of her life. Her family was her life. She will be remembered for always showing up, making people feel cared for, and loving her family with everything she had.
Memorial Services will be Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Her family will receive guests from 10 AM until service time.
Memorials are suggested to: Hospice at HaysMed, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or The Arc of the Central Plains in care of the funeral chapel.
Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Carrie's family on her tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com