Donna Dena Mansel

Donna Dena (Campbell) Mansel was born on September 27, 1933 to Alma and Leona Davidson Campbell.  She went home to be with her heavenly father on June 8^th, 2023. 

She is survived by her son Jon Campbell Mansel (wife Vicky) of Manhattan, KS; daughters Brenda Mansel Reno of St. John, KS; April Swartz (husband Bill) of Manhattan, KS; Kelly Mansel-Ramsey of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren:  Christopher Garland Mansel (wife Marisa) of St. John, KS; Zeboriah Mansel Carter (wife Jessica) of St. John, KS; Emily Carter of Salt Lake City, UT; Troy Sallee of Lawrence, KS; Trent Lewis Sallee (wife Hannah) of St. John, KS; Abigail Mansel (husband Geoff) of Fort Collins, CO; Molly Mansel of Strong City, KS; Michelle Erichsen (husband Ryan) of Manhattan, KS and Gina Mansel of Nickerson, KS; nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Garland, her son Bradley, and her siblings.

Dena was born on the Campbell homestead west of St John, the youngest child of Alma and Leona.  She enjoyed the farm life with her siblings and dogs, and that love of dogs lasted her lifetime.   

Dena married Garland on September 3, 1960, and they raised their five children in St. John.  Dena was a homemaker most of her life.  She had a flair for decorating and the beautiful home that her family lived in was a testament to that.  Dena even painted the entire exterior of the home herself.  Garland and Dena loved collecting antiques, and Dena restored numerous pieces of furniture that are now treasured heirlooms.  Dena was a bridge player for over 50 years, something she and Garland also did together.  Dena was an avid reader and worked at the library for several years.  She also worked for Dr. Fatzer and the City of St. John.  Dena was involved with the St. John Main Street and other community endeavors.  She spent a lot of quality time with the grandchildren, and she was Dede to them.  Dena taught her children many silly songs and poems that were passed down through all the grands and great grands.  Dena was active in the church and taught Sunday school for many years.  She was diligent in making sure the grandchildren and great grandchildren made it to church.  She and Garland took numerous missionary trips to Mexico with other members of the family and church members.  Dena helped Garland with the massive amounts of produce he grew and distributed throughout the community.  She also loved her yard and “encouraged” Garland to plant hundreds of flowers each year. 

Services for Dena will be held Thursday June 15^th, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the church of Christ in St. John with Zeboriah Mansel Carter presiding.  Burial will follow in the Fairview Park Cemetery, St. John. There will be a lunch gathering back at the church following the committal service.  Visitation will be held at Minnis Chapel on Wednesday June 14^th from 1:00 to 7:00 pm.  Family will be present 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

Memorial may be mailed to Minnis Chapel, PO Box 34, St. John, KS  67576.  The following memorials have been established in honor of Dena:

2^nd Mile Food Bank

Silver Maple Camp