Donna Jean “DJ” Rhoades, age 59 of Hays, Kansas passed away in her home on June 17, 2020. She was born to parents David and Faith Rhoades on January 26, 1961 in WaKeeney, Kansas. She grew up as the youngest of three children and attended Trego Community High School. She then attended Fort Hays State University where she graduated with a degree in communications.
Donna was an avid writer of several short stories, plays, and manuscripts. While attending Fort Hays State University, she had the honor of having one of her plays performed by the theatre department. She also wrote several blogs on her favorite band, the Beach Boys. One of her most treasured projects was the cookbook of family recipes she finished putting together just a few short months ago called “Conversations by the Old Country Stove.” This “labor of love” is a testament to her ability to create a masterpiece that will be cherished for years to come. From her love of the Yankees to her love for the weird, unique, and unusual, Donna was one of a kind. If you knew Donna, then you would know that she was extremely smart, and you did not stand a chance of beating her at Jeopardy or Trivial Pursuit. Her birds were the highlight of her life, and if you went to visit her, she may have greeted you with the Vulcan salute. Halloween will not be the same without her tales of ghosts and goblins, witches, and wizards, or Ardath Bey as our guide on the Ghost Train.
Donna is survived by her brother, Charles “Chuck” Rhoades; her nephew, Chris (Leah) Rhoades of Hays, KS; three nieces, Jennifer (Jason) Colby of Ellis, KS, Shauna Johnston of Topeka, KS, and Jody (Eric) Budo of Eureka, MO; five great nephews, Josh (Mallory) Koerner of Hays, KS, Tucker Rhoades of Hays, KS, Donovan and Kaiden Colby of Ellis, KS, and Brett Rhoades of Hays, KS; four great nieces, Cheyenne Rhoades of Hays, KS, Lindsey and Hannah Johnston of Topeka, KS, and Zoey Budo of Eureka, MO; one great-great niece, Carter Koerner of Hays, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Carolyn Rhoades; and her sister-n-law, Polly Rhoades.
At Donna’s request, cremation was chosen with no services will be held. Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Memorials are suggested to the Hays Community Theatre and may be sent in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Please make donations payable to the organization.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]