Donna Jean Arnone, 68, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Donna was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and faithful friend whose warmth and kindness touched all who knew her. She lived a life rooted in faith, family, and quiet generosity, always putting others before herself and offering a steady presence to those around her.

Born on May 16, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri, Donna was the daughter of Thomas and Margaret Heckman. She grew up with a strong sense of family that remained at the center of her life. On December 10, 1994, she married her beloved husband, Joseph V. Arnone, and together they built a life filled with love, faith, and service to others.

Donna retired from First Trust of MidAmerica in 2011, but her dedication to service and community soon called her back to work. She served as Business Manager at Nativity of Mary in Independence for five years, where her care, professionalism, and warm presence were deeply appreciated. In 2016, Donna began working alongside her husband at his CPA firm, where she contributed her talents for six years until the sale of the business. In 2021, she also took on a part-time role as Business Manager at St. Therese Little Flower, becoming a cherished member of the parish community and sharing her gifts in service to the Church she loved.

In 2017, Donna faithfully supported her husband, Joe, on his journey toward ordination as a Deacon in the Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph. She walked alongside him and the other candidates and their wives, forming lasting friendships and a close-knit spiritual family rooted in faith and shared purpose.

In her free time, Donna embraced the craft of making rosaries. With great care and devotion, she lovingly created and gifted a rosary to each candidate and their wives at their ordination. She was always exploring new ways to improve her work and generously shared her knowledge, teaching others how to make rosaries and passing on both the skill and the meaning behind it.

More than anything, Donna cherished her family. She was a constant source of love, encouragement, and strength. Her home was a place of comfort and gathering, where laughter, faith, and love was always present.

She is survived by her loving husband, Deacon Joseph Arnone; her daughters, Cara Lawrence (Kelly) and Grace Arnone; her grandchildren Anthony (Kylee), Lilian, and Olivia Lawrence; her brother Dan (Lisa) Heckman; her sister Denise Heckman; her father-in-law Michael A. Arnone; her brother-in-law Guy (Angela) Arnone; her sister-in-law Claire (JD) Delaney; one niece, three nephews; and many extended family members and dear friends, especially Elizabeth Hink and Pam Wade. She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law Rosemary Arnone; her niece Gabriella Arnone; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Donna's life was a testament to faith in Jesus Christ and the power of love lived out daily. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

The Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. followed by visitation from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Independence, Missouri. On Saturday, April 25, visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark's Church. Burial will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

The family kindly requests that flowers be omitted.

Please keep our family in your prayers.