Donna Katherine Ealey

Donna Katherine Ealey, 88, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2023 at the Anna Mae Owen Hospice House in Murray. 

Born in Buchanan, Tennessee, Donna graduated from Buchanan High School. Earl and Donna moved to Benton in 1955 after getting married on February 18. During her life, Donna worked many years with Ms. Nellie Cannon at her preschool. She was later accepted into the Nursing Program at West Kentucky Vocational School, where she studied before working for several years at Britthaven Healthcare Center in Benton. Earl and Donna were devout members of Benton First Baptist Church, where they worked as custodians and where Donna taught Sunday School.

Donna's most valued life accomplishment was her devotion to family. She spent much of her life as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She braved, with Earl, all the elements to follow her three grandchildren in any activity they pursued - whether it be soccer, dance, or a scholastic event. Donna would often show up with a batch of warm chocolate chip cookies and a smile. 

She will be greatly missed but comfort can be found in 1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."

Donna is survived by her husband of 68 years, Millard Earl Ealey of Benton and one son, James Ealey (Dianna Ealey) of Benton. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Ealey of Benton and three grandchildren, Jaime Ealey, Abigail Ealey, and Caitlyn Ealey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Fannie Kirkland; two sisters, Eva Morris and Dorothy McDaniel; and one son, Steven Ealey.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, Kentucky. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Donna’s memory to either the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter, 6100 Dutchmans Lane, Suite 401, Louisville, Kentucky 40205 or online at www.alz.org/kyin/donate; or the Anna Mae Owen Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or online at www.murrayhospital.org/giving.

You may light a candle or leave a message for the family at www.filbeckandcann.com.