LaDonna Justice, 86, died after 23 years with the regional library system
The Lenexa resident served as an administrative librarian for two decades and received a local chamber award in 1992.
By Samir Doyle ·
LaDonna S. Justice died on October 16, 2026, at Lakeview Village in Lenexa, Kansas. She was 86. The Lakeview Village community welcomed her as a resident for the ten years prior to her death.
She was born on October 29, 1939, in Montgomery City, Missouri. Her parents were Rolla Benton Henry and Florence Irene Brooks Henry. LaDonna was their third child. She preceded by her parents, sister Betty Manuel, brother Robert Henry, and first husband Juan Manuel. Her survivors include husband Gary Justice, son Jason Justice, daughter-in-law Kirnberly, grandsons Christopher and Adam Justice, sister-in-law Della Henry, and seven nieces and nephews.
Justice earned a bachelor’s degree with honors from Central Methodist College in 1961. She taught elementary grades in Brentwood, Missouri, Hamden Plains, Connecticut, and Osage Beach, Missouri. In 1968, she received a master’s degree in library science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
She joined the three-county Daniel Boone Regional Library system that year. Justice worked there for 23 years. From 1978 until her retirement in 1996, she served as the Administrative Librarian for the Callaway County branch. In 1992, the Callaway County Chamber of Commerce presented her with its initial Women’s Community Service Award. The group recognized her leadership in expanding the physical library and updating its services.
LaDonna and Gary Justice married on June 9, 1962, at the United Methodist Church in Montgomery City. They met in college. Jason was born on November 5, 1972. The couple lived in New Haven, Connecticut, and several Missouri communities including Osage Beach, Hallsville, Columbia, and Fulton. They later resided in Leawood and Lenexa, Kansas.
A committal service for Justice’s cremated remains will be held at the Memorial Garden of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Reverend Doctor James Hoffman will officiate the service.
