Donna Zimmerman

Donna Mae (Breit) Zimmerman, 83, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, after a struggle with dementia and a brief illness. She was born on March 5, 1943 in Utica, KS to Sylvester and Rosie (Herman) Breit.

For a time, the family operated a drug store. She shared many stories of the advantages it brought to a kid among them unlimited access to comic books and candy. In 1955, the family moved to Scott City, KS, where she excelled academically. In high school, Donna was a regional winner of the Pillsbury Bake-Off. She earned money for college working at the local newspaper, the Scott City News Chronicle. She attended Fort Hays State University and later obtained a Master’s degree in education from Wichita State University.

Donna taught fourth grade and worked as a reading remediation specialist in Wichita and Hutchinson for over 30 years. In her free time, she loved to read, cook, sew, paint, and garden. An active member and past president of Hutchinson’s Heart of Kansas Quilt Guild, Donna was a talented quilter and fiber artist. On June 1, 1968, she married Leslie Zimmerman. They shared 57 years of marriage.

She enjoyed a long and happy retirement. Donna was lucky to be able to travel the world with her husband, visiting every continent except Antarctica. These travels were something she couldn’t believe he talked her into doing!

Her family will miss her creative spirit, excellent cooking, embrace of fun and play, and wicked sense of humor.

Donna is survived by her: husband Les Zimmerman, of Hutchinson and daughter Sara (Laura) Zimmerman of Chicago, IL; nieces Debra Stark and Suzanne Stark, Vanessa Metzger (Mark), Anna-Liisa Breit (Leslie), Chrissy Breit (Henry); sister- and brother-in-law Rae and Henry Barge; and grand niece and nephew Taryn Perkins and Morgan Metzger (Lora).

She was preceded in death by her: parents; sister Carole Stark (Don) of Scott City, KS and Vernon Breit (Marcia) of Genesee, CO.

Visitation will be at Elliott Mortuary on Thursday, May 7 from 5pm to 7pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fort Hays State University in the name of the Donna and Les Zimmerman scholarship fund in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St, Hutchinson, Ks 67501.