Donna Ruthspayd Lightell

Donna Ruth Spayd Lightell, age 58, of Topeka, passed away April 30, 2013. She was born on July 12, 1954 at Topeka, Kansas to Donald and Lila Donnelly Spayd. She attended Topeka public schools and graduated from Topeka West High School Class of 1972.

Known as "The Plant Lady," she worked as a horticulturist for Jackson's Greenhouse for 10 years, servicing the greater Topeka community, including government offices and corporate business. Donna was impassioned by rescuing animals or plants, such as "Tiger" the cat, her beloved horse "Sam" and "Thumper" the parrot. She also raised Doberman pinchers and Siamese cats.

Holidays at her house became a tradition in our family; no invitation needed. She made a "mean" cheesecake, the best cherry pie in the world and the juiciest turkey. Everybody loved her food. To Donna, Sunday's were not only a family day, but also were dedicated to her favorite team the New Orleans Saints and Nascar racing, especially Jeff Gordon.

Among all her passions she lived everyday for her children and her grandchildren. Donna is survived by her four children, Shane and Paula Blindt of Kansas City Missouri, Christy and Jeff Jones, of Topeka Kansas, David Blindt of Topeka Kansas, and Raymond "Joey" Lightell and Kelsey Diven of Silver Lake, Kansas; six grandchildren, Jordon Root, Chelsey Burgen, Dominick Jones, Kimber Jones, Jasmine Blindt, and Jackson Blindt; two brothers, Darrel Wayne Spayd and Robert Spayd both of Topeka; and her sister Suzanne Watkins of Topeka KS.

Her life will be celebrated with a visitation to be held on Wednesday, May 8 from 3-5PM at Dove Cremation & Funeral Service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Donna Ruth Lightell Memorial Fund c/o Quest Credit Union, 2634 NW Highway 24, Topeka, KS 66617