Donna B. Smith

Donna B. Smith

Jan. 4, 1931 - Feb, 7, 2012

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Donna Belle Smith went peacefully to Heaven, Tuesday, Feb.7, 2012, from Bryan LGH East Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 81.

She was born Jan. 4, 1931, in St. Francis,Kansas, to Orion L. and Chloe M. (McKay) Deardoff. She was raised with two sisters, Darline and Kay, and two brothers Kenneth (Kenny) and Wyndon (Wink). She graduated from St. Francis High School in 1948 and married Raymond A. Smith of Stockton, Kansas, on Jan. 7, 1951, at St. Francis, Kansas. They moved to Indianola, Nebraska and later to McCook in 1953, where Raymond worked as a civil engineer for the Bureau of Reclamation.

They raised three sons, Colin, Rodney and Dan. They were active members of Memorial United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and participating in a variety of activities. Donna was a long term volunteer at Helping Hands thrift store operated by the Methodist Ladies. She participated in Rebecca Lodge and was a lifelong bridge player.

In 2010, Donna moved to Lincoln to live at Savannah Pines. She resided at Tabitha following a hospitalization last summer.

Donna was a wonderful grandmother and was active in the lives of all her grandchildren. She and Raymond went to countless ball games and school activities and supported their grandchildren's interests in many ways. She was always willing to play board and card games, playdough, and games of imagination. Grandma always had her homemade sugar cookies and everyone's favorite treats when they came to visit. Donna and Raymond set a powerful faith example for their children and grandchildren. This testament of love and grace was imprinted on each of us.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, on March 30, 2008; her sister, Kay Tice, and brother, Wink Deardoff.

She is survived by sons, Colin Smith and wife, Linda, of Goodyear, Arizona, Rodney Smith and wife, Nancy, of Boise, Idaho, and Dan Smith and wife, Nicky, of Lincoln, Nebraska; brother, Ken and wife Dee, of Peoria, Arizona; sister, Darline Price of Gothenburg, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Clee Tice of Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren, Jason and wife, Sheri, of Omaha, Nebraska, Nichole and daughter, Rheanna, of Goodyear, Arizona; Wyatt and wife, Julie and daughter, Kate of North Platte, Nebraska, Kady, recently commissioned to serve as a missionary in Brazil, Kyla of Eden, Utah, Karissa of Boise, Idaho, Caitlin of McCook and Riley of Lincoln. She is lovingly missed by her family as well as friends and those whose lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, at 1:30 p.m.. at the Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with Rev. Lance Clay officiating, Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family would like friends to join them in a reception at the church following the committal at the cemetery.

Friends may sign her book at Herrmann Funeral Home during regular business hours and memorials may be given in her name. Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.