Donna Ilene Conard

Donna Ilene (Murphy) Conard, 83, a longtime Liberty resident, joined her Lord and Savior Jesus on May 24, 2019, at her home, with her companion of 65 years, Wendall, holding her hand. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a celebration of Donna’s life at 11:00 am, on Saturday, June 15 , 2019 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Liberty, MO. Interment will be at a later date in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in her name.

Donna was born November 9, 1935, in Albany, MO, the only child of Bruce and Margaret (Lainhart) Murphy. Early childhood years were spent in Carrier Mills, IL. Moving later to Albany, MO, she graduated in 1953 from Albany High School.

Donna’s first date with Wendall Gene Conard was to celebrate his birthday in July 1953. It was truly love at first sight. Marriage soon followed on February 27, 1954.

Donna worked as an Executive Secretary for various companies including Vita Craft and Kodak, later working as the primary secretary of the First Baptist Church in Maryville, MO for her childhood pastor, Rev. Howard Juddah. She was also a proud Avon distributor and member of the President's Club. Along with being a wonderful wife and mother, music was one of her greatest passions, as was her life of service to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She sang in many church choirs, was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, and a member of Sweet Adelines. At the time of her death, she was still an active member of the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church and it’s choir.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Wendall; children: Ronald Conard (Rita), Cathy Mallory (Larry), Joy Childers (Brett) and Carole Fortner (Gary); grandchildren and great grandchildren: Bradley Conard (Laura) and children Steven and Chloe; Brian Conard and son William; Christopher Childers (Kristen) and children Hadley, Aria and Everly; James Fortner (Teri) and children Spencer and Emily; and Melanie Fortner. Donna will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Please share with us your memories and thoughts of Donna by visiting her memorial page at www.parklawnfunerals.com.

Visitation will begin at 10AM, followed by a service celebrating Donna’s life at 11AM, on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Liberty. Interment will be at a later date in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO.