Nov 14, 1946---Sep 10, 2024

Donna Rose Swords, 77, of Overland Park Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Donna was born November 14, 1946, to Robert and Florence (Beck) Terstriep in Quincy, Illinois. Donna grew up on a farm with 8 siblings and learned at the early age the importance of hard work and family. 

Donna met Gary Swords, married, and had two children, Jason and Derek. Donna and family moved many times during their early family and lived in many different locations including Chicago, Dallas, and Hopkinsville (KY). The family eventually settled in the Kansas City area where they opened a Craft store in Olathe Kansas. Gary passed away in 1991.

Donna had a variety of careers over her life including working at a Bank, owning her own business, and eventually Real Estate. She loved working with people and thrived on a busy schedule.  

Donna loved to cook, dance, and spend quality time with family. Her favorite days were those that she spent with her grandchildren.

Donna is survived by her children and their families including Jason and Stephanie Swords, their children Maren and Connor, Derek and Jill Swords and their children Dylan and Elliott.  Additionally, Donna is survived by her brothers and sisters: Mark Terstriep, John Terstriep, Matt Terstriep, Robert Terstiep II, Luke Terstriep, Mary Bockenfeld, Sally Mock, Janine Terstriep.  

A visitation will be held at Porter Funeral Home on Sunday September 15th from 3-5 PM, followed by a Funeral Mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 10 AM on Monday September 16th.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.

Donna's family will host a Celebration of Life, directly after the interment, at Falcon Valley Golf Course Clubhouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to:  https://amethystplace.org

 



Condolences

Ellen Vap Sep 12, 2024

Friend ,Topeka ,Kansas

Deepest Sympathy…Donna was a very Special Person and very Loving Friend.. She will be remembered for her beautiful life… Ellen Vap

Ted and Heather King Sep 12, 2024

Friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

We are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was very much the “group mom” to us all throughout middle school and high school. She will be missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Shelley Graver Sep 12, 2024

Niece ,Fowler ,Illinois

My heart and prayers are with you!

Tom and Doug Fleming Sep 12, 2024

Friends of family ,Potomac

Our hearts go out to your family for the loss. I hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.

Sister Gail Buckman Sep 12, 2024

High school classmate ,Saint Louis ,Missouri

My prayers are with the family at this time. I am a high school classmate of Donna’s and have fond memories of her. God’s blessings on her as she shares in God’s love.

Rita Damhorst Sep 12, 2024

Friend from Notre Dame high school in Quincy, Il. ,Oak Forest ,Illinois

I’m so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was one of my high school friends. We would always catch up with each other at our class reunions. We’ll be having one at the last weekend in Sept. She will be missed. She was a lovely person. We will remember her at the Mass & in our prayers.

Shirley Powers Sep 14, 2024

Daughter related ,Quincy ,Illinois

I saw Donna many times over the years. She was a special lady. Shirley

Nancy N Dunham Sep 15, 2024

Friend from Prudential Real Estate ,Leawood ,Kansas

It was a pleasure knowing Donna. She was a very sweet lady and loved her children, grandchildren so very much! Rest In peace my friend.

Lisa and Mark Mirande Sep 15, 2024

Niece ,Peoria ,Illinois

Derek and Jason - we are so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was always so welcoming and so much fun to see at family reunions. You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ludger Terstriep Sep 16, 2024

Family/Friend ,Alstätte

We were deeply saddened to hear of Donna's passing. It is difficult to find the right words to offer comfort in this difficult time. We, your family in Germany, have taken a few trips together and have become friends. We got to know you as a wonderful person and fondly remember the time we spent together. Our thoughts are with you and the family. Bernhard, Maria, Heinz, Beate, Matthias, Daniela, Hermann, Silvia, Josef, Melanie, Jutta and Ludger

Joni Geier Sep 22, 2024

Cousin ,Glasford ,Illinois

Jason, Derek and families, Gary and I are so sorry for your loss. Aunt Donna was a beautiful person, inside and out. After all she and you have been through over the last few years, I know she is in a better place, but that doesn't make losing her any easier. You all are in our thoughts and prayers and you have our deepest sympathy. With love, Joni and Gary Geier

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Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
Sep 15, 2024
Time:
3:00 PM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Address:
11300 W. 103rd St.
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66214
Date:
Sep 16, 2024
Time:
10:00 AM
Google Map: