LaDonna Justice, who led a regional library for decades, dies at 86
The former librarian and teacher lived in Lenexa, Kansas, before passing away on October 16, 2026.
By Liam Kaminski ·
LaDonna S. Justice, a retired librarian who spent the final decade of her life in Lenexa, Kansas, died on October 16, 2026. She was 86. Family members said she remained grateful for the support of her relatives and the healthcare professionals who attended to her during her final months.
Justice was born on October 29, 1939, in Montgomery City, Missouri. She was the third child of Rolla Benton Henry and Florence Irene Brooks. She graduated with honors from Central Methodist College in 1961. Her early career included teaching elementary grades in Missouri and Connecticut.
In 1968, she earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She then joined the Daniel Boone Regional Library system, which serves three counties. She served for 23 years, retiring in 1996. From 1978 until her retirement, she held the position of Administrative Librarian for the Callaway County branch.
In 1992, the Callaway County Chamber of Commerce presented her with its first Women’s Community Service Award. The organization recognized her leadership in expanding the library’s physical space and modernizing its services.
Justice met her second husband, Gary Justice, in college. They married on June 9, 1962, at the United Methodist Church in Montgomery City. The couple raised their son, Jason, in New Haven, Connecticut, and later in various communities in Missouri and Kansas, including Osage Beach, Columbia, Fulton, Leawood, and Lenexa.
She is survived by Gary Justice, son Jason Justice, his wife Kirnberly, and grandsons Christopher and Adam Justice. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Della Henry and seven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Juan Manuel, sister Betty Manuel, and brother Robert Henry.
A committal service will be held at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. The Reverend Doctor James Hoffman will officiate. Justice’s cremated remains will be placed in the church’s Memorial Garden.
Source: Johnson County Post
