Donna Jo Smith's Obituary
Donna Jo Smith, of Pittsburg, died on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Oakview Estates Assisted Living. She was born August 13, 1938, in Winfield KS to Glen LeRoy “Roy” and Verna Geraldine Wilson (Buchanan). Donna grew up in Moline, KS, graduating from Moline High School in 1956 and married Marvin Lee Smith there on September 27, 1957.
Marvin and Donna moved to Pittsburg in 1958 where Marvin completed his education at Pittsburg State University, and both were lifelong Gorillas’ fans. Donna started her professional career at Harvest Brands as a commercial artist creating advertising and promotional calendars, working in the company print shop, and painting logos on semi-truck trailers. In the mid-80s she began working at Pro-Print and eventually retired from Names and Numbers in 2003.
Donna had a passion for photography, especially bird and wildlife pictures. She used her artistic talents to turn her photos into notecards and artwork for her friends and family and enjoyed displaying them at local art exhibits. She also enjoyed being able to capture memories and published family history and memory books. Donna was a member of the Sperry-Gallagher Audubon Society and volunteered for Pittsburg State University’s Nature Reach Summer Camp and Wesley House after retirement.
Survivors include her daughter Shana Plasters and husband Ross of Burlington, NC; Grandchildren Jeremy Wilson and his wife Mandy of Manhattan, KS, Rachael Plasters, Ryan Plasters, and a great-grandson, Parker Wilson and his wife Raven, and her sister Nancy Nicholson of Alexandria, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin, her oldest daughter Lisa Smith Richey, as well as her parents and brother.
Graveside services will be July 22 at 11am at the Moline City Cemetery in Moline, KS. Condolences can be sent to www.bathnaylor.com Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), Wesley House UMC (wesleyhouseumc.org/donate) or the Elk Falls UMC Church. Memorials may be brought by or mailed to the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762.
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