Donna M Smith

Donna Mae Smith earned her angels wings on June 4, 2021 at Chariton Specialty Care.  Donna was born to Earnest “Doc” Finch and Golda James Finch on October 16, 1932.  She was the younger sister of Charles “Chuck Finch and David Wesley “Wes” Finch.

Donna was raised on the family farm on the Lucas/Marion County line.  She attended Pleasant Prairie Country School until transferring to Chariton High School, graduating in the class of 1950.

In November of 1950 Donna begun a lifelong of Iowa Southern Utilities where she worked until she retired. 

On May 28, 1961, Donna married the love of her life Clinton Neil Smith, Neil and Donna just reached the 60th anniversary this year.

Donna and Neil never had any children of their own.  They both however were bonus parents to their nieces and nephews, Chris, Wendy and Craig Finch and Jane and Jeff Finch as well as Mike Smith.

Donna and Neil took extra special care of their mothers throughout their lives.

As a child Donna like all other kids in the Belinda neighborhood cheered on her brother, he was on the Belinda softball team which was for a time managed by her father “Doc” Finch.

Family and her church were the most important things in Donna’s life.  She and Neil rarely missed any event involving them, nieces and nephews, from little league games to high school sports to Wendy’s horse shows.  All the kids can remember rides in the country with Neil and Donna and yelling “Go Faster uncle Neil” when the car crested a hill and Donna in the front seat saying “Neil slow down”.  There were also many trips to the Dairy Queen or A&W.  It’s probably where we all got addicted to ice cream.

Donna and Neil have had many special friends in life but particularly later in life especially appreciated Dan and Rhonda Morrett and Nancy Bright for their care and support.  She also loved and enjoyed her may friends at the First United Methodist Church. 

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Chuck and Wes Finch, nephew Chris Finch and brother-in-law Tom Smith.  She is survived by husband Neil.  Also left to cherish her memory are sisters-in-law Bobbie Finch, Marilyn Finch and Janet Smith, nephews and nieces Elizabeth (Chris) Finch, Wendy (Tom) Finch Levis, Jeff (Gina) Finch, Jane (Ken) Finch Haines, Craig Finch and Mike Smith.  She is also survived by 8 great nieces and nephews and 10 great-great nieces and nephews.  Memorials may be made to the Chariton First United Methodist Church.  On line condolences may be directed to www.fieldingfuneralhome.com.

A family and friends, light lunch will be served at the Church during the visitation where all is invited and welcomed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna M Smith, please visit our floral store.