Marilyn (Lovelady) Donovan died on January 28, 2022, in Albuquerque, while hospitalized for heart failure. Born on January 18, 1933, in Kansas City, MO, Marilyn earned her Master’s degree in Art Education from Kansas University. While at KU, Marilyn met Dick Donovan and married him in 1955. They relocated to Albuquerque with their family in 1971 to build Terra Avionics, a small business that manufactured avionics equipment for small aircraft. She worked as a floral designer at several points in her life and was instrumental to Terra’s success, not only as Dick’s main support, but also as its advertising and graphic design manager.

Marilyn was devoted to her family and had many friends. She went out of her way to help others and to make the world a kinder place. She also loved flowers and gardening, creating beautiful gardens in her backyard to celebrate the births and deaths of family members. She was beloved and a force of nature, strong beyond the limitations of her small stature, and encouraged others to never give up.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dick and is survived by: her three children, Leslie Donovan, Laura Parker, and Michael Donovan; and four grandchildren, Hannah Parker, Ford Parker, Connor Donovan, Collin Donovan; as well as many extended family and friends.

The family will have a private inurnment. There will be a Celebration of Life from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, June 18th, 2022 at The Warren Place, Gardner, KS.