Donna Esmay

Donna Wright Esmay, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born September 30, 1934, in Geronimo, Oklahoma, to Zoe Arvilla (“Dody”) and O.R. Wright, Donna grew up in Lebanon, Missouri, alongside her brother Dalton and sister Debbie. Donna graduated from the University of Missouri in 1955, where she embraced campus life as a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta, a cheerleader, and one of the first women selected to serve on the campus Student Union Board. Her college years also sparked a lifelong passion for sports - both as a player and a fan.

In 1981, Donna married the love of her life, John Esmay. Fittingly, they met at a tennis camp in Colorado Springs. Together they shared a remarkable life filled with adventure and hospitality. They traveled to all 50 states and numerous countries abroad, skied well into their 70’s, and golfed together into their 80’s. Their home, whether In Cheyenne, Wyoming, or Scottsdale, Arizona, was a place to gather to watch sports or enjoy a lovely sit-down dinner. Donna and John were superb cooks and generous hosts; their gatherings were not to be missed.

John introduced Donna - and her family - to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, which became a cherished tradition for their kids and grandkids. For more than 40 years, Donna and John served as announcers for the Frontier Days parade. The two were naturals, with Donna providing the parade history and John providing the color. A dynamic duo indeed.

Donna’s energy, positivity, and zest for life were evident in everything she did. Whether hosting family and friends, cheering on her favorite teams (Missouri Tigers and Wyoming Cowboys, to name a couple), or exploring the world with John, she embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. Donna will be remembered for cherishing life, her ability to make all feel welcome, and the deep love she shared with John, her family, and her many dear friends

Survivors include her husband of 44 years, John; her daughters Lisa Clark (Rod) of Des Moines, Iowa, Dana Carter of San Antonio, Texas; her son Kurt Schultz of Columbia, Missouri; and her stepdaughter Niki Heller (Bill) of Denver, Colorado. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren - Ellie Clark, Mattie Carter, Jake Carter, Pat Bodet, Rhody Heller and Griffin Heller, and her great granddaughter, Tatum Heller. Donna is also survived by her brother Dalton Wright (Stephanie), and her sister Debbie Moore (Jim), both of Lebanon, Missouri, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring; friends and family will be notified. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra (cheyennesymphony.org) or an organization of the donor’s choosing.