Donna Kay Fite McConnell

Donna Kay Fite McConnell of Little Rock, died on the same day as her 86th birthday after living for over 10 years with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Her daughter, Micah, quit her job teaching in 2014 to care for her. They made it through with lots of laughter, and with the wonderful and loving care of her granddaughter, India.

Donna was a kind, unassuming woman with a twinkle in her eye and the most beautiful smile who just made you feel good. Beneath her kindness lay remarkable talents. She was a master quilter and exceptionally skilled in needlepoint and knitting. In many churches around Arkansas, her sacred art hangs high between stained glass windows. Below, kneelers are covered in her needlepoint. The beds in her home were draped with her quilts, and the walls were covered with her smaller works—her “Lively Little Logs,” the name of her published book series about making log cabin miniature quilts, for which she was known. She was a popular teacher of quilt making throughout the country and sold her quilts internationally.

Her family comes from Arkansas, but she grew up in Long Beach, California, after her parents moved there to join the war effort the day after Pearl Harbor. She first had tacos there and began to perfect her taco dinners with bowls of toppings that were always a family favorite. For many years, her beloved long- haired Dachshund, Sammie, was always by her side. 

Donna leaves three children, Micah McConnell (Valerie Denton) of Little Rock; Sean McConnell (Susan Portugall McConnell) of San Francisco, CA; and Patrick McConnell (Cathlin McGrath McConnell) of Hastings on Hudson, NY; she was Mema to four grandchildren, India Carter McFarlin (Matt McFarlin) of Little Rock, Patrick McConnell of Denver, CO, Madeleine McConnell of San Francisco, CA, and Declan McConnell of Hastings on Hudson, NY; one great grandson, Leo McFarlin of Little Rock; brother, Dr. Larry Fite (Stephanie Fite) of Hot Springs, sister, Janet Gauck (The Rev. Carl Gauck) of Lake Ozark, MO ; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Al and Wanda Fite of Searcy; and by her husband of 52 years, the Rev. Dr. Gary D. McConnell of blesséd and happy memory who died in 2012 after serving at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church NLR, St. Stephen’s, Jacksonville, and Trinity Parish, Searcy, for 42 years.

Mema had a marvelous life, and we will miss her with all our hearts. The family would like to thank the Godsend of Woodland Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care for their excellent care of Donna during her final years. Additionally, Donna would not be satisfied if we failed to mention that she deeply missed the original Oyster Bar.