Donna Kay (McCracken) Guess, aged 83, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away on April 22 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City. Born on July 23, 1940, in Trenton, Missouri, to Donald “Duck” and Mildred (Miller) McCracken, Donna led a life marked by service and community involvement.
A proud alumna of Trenton High School’s class of 1958, where she reigned as the cheerleading Snow Queen, Donna furthered her education at Draughton Business School in Kansas City. There, she also served as a nanny for twin boys. She returned to Trenton and embarked on a diverse career, working at Montgomery Wards; Pickett, Anderck, & Hauck Law Firm; and Grundy Electric. On July 31, 1965, she married Richard (Glee) Guess at Trenton Baptist Church. The couple moved to Hamburg, Iowa, where Glee served as the high school principal and Donna was the church secretary.
In 1968, the Guess family relocated to Van Meter, Iowa, where Glee assumed the role of superintendent of schools. During their time in Van Meter, Donna managed the Poverty Cafe, owned and managed The Bulldog Inn ice cream shop, served as a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, taught Sunday school, and managed several apartment complexes. The family moved again in 1981 when Glee became superintendent of schools in Seymour, Iowa. While in Seymour, Donna held various roles including dental assistant, receptionist, Jafra skin care consultant, owner of Jose’s Pool Hall, donut and pizza maker at Casey’s General Store, babysitter, housing manager, and owner of Eleanore’s Flower Kart in Trenton. She also served as a member and past president of PEO, managed the Seymour Little League concession stand, and contributed to the Seymour Scene radio segment.
One of Donna’s most cherished moments was throwing the opening pitch for the Kansas City Royals in July 1994, a prize she won in a contest sponsored by the Trenton McDonald’s. After Glee retired, the Guesses moved to his hometown of Albany, Missouri, where Donna worked as a paraprofessional, dedicating herself to two students she cherished deeply.
A fervent supporter of the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs, Donna followed players and coaches with zeal and enjoyed Taylor Swift’s music. She treasured time with her family, especially attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Known for her quick wit and great one-liners, Donna ensured that no visitor left her home without enjoying a hearty meal.
Donna is survived by her children, Chris (Sheri) Guess of Maryville, MO/Van Meter, IA; Jill (Kevin) Crall of Albia, IA; Jodi (Chatten) Scruggs of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren Cassie (Colton) Cason and Callah of Pella, IA; Casey (Madison) Guess and Carter of Granger, IA; Cade Crall of Waukee, IA; Connor Guess of Lee’s Summit, MO; Charlee Scruggs of Fayetteville, AR; brother Bill (Lynda) McCracken of Trenton, MO; brothers-in-law Vince (Sandi) Guess of Scottsdale, AZ; Bill Guess of Phoenix, AZ; sisters-in-law Glenda Guess of Springfield, MO; Cindy McCracken of Trenton, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glee; her parents, Duck and Mildred McCracken; her brother, Bob McCracken; and six brothers-in-law.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26, at the Roberson-Polley Chapel in Albany, with burial at Grandview Cemetery, Albany. The family will receive friends from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. on Friday before the service. Friends may call anytime after 8:30 a.m. on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Trenton High School Cheerleaders, c/o Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402.
