Donna M. Smith

A Celebration of Life Service for Donna was held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairmont Community Church. Pastor Penny Plock and Lay Pastor Michelle Lessard presided over the Service. Shirley Milton provided prelude and postlude music. The recorded selections "When I Get Where I'm Going," "Satisfied Mind," and "Home In A Meadow" were played during the Memorial Service. Honorary pallbearers for the Memorial Service included Jeremy Styskal, Jakob Guerra, Ron Clark, Robbie Petersen, Joe Plock, and Skipper Plock. A private committal of Ashes will take place at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family or to the York Adopt - A - Pet. Donna Mae Smith, age 82 of Fairmont, Nebraska, passed away surrounded by family in Lincoln, Nebraska on Friday, March 8, 2024. She was born to Fred and Maudie (Burnett) Plock in York, Nebraska, on April 14, 1941. Donna loved the farm and enjoyed country living. The family farmstead has been in her family since 1888. She attended country school and later McCool Junction Public School where she graduated in 1958. As a young girl she would ride and show horses with her parents at horse shows and parades. In 1961, she fell in love, eloped and married Duane E. Smith of Fairmont, Nebraska on June 5, 1961, in Belleville, Kansas. After they were married, they lived in Lincoln for a short time where Duane worked. During this time, her talent to become an accomplished organist would come into play. She would get the opportunity to fill in as the organist on the Leta Powell Drake morning show on 10/11 in the 60’s. Donna returned to the farm after the passing of her father in 1966. Duane and Donna resumed farming on the family homestead she had called home. She became a devoted housewife, mother and one of the hardest working farm wives out there. After moving back, she became a member of the Happy Hour Club that her mom had also belonged to. One of her true loves was dolls, and this stemmed from childhood to the present time. She adored anything doll related, buggies, clothing and toys. She would eventually make it her part-time business of traveling afar to sell and show her favorite Jan Hagara Victorian dolls and figurines at doll shows. A long family tradition was enjoying and spending time relaxing at the Harlan County Lake cabin. The joy of fishing until the wee early morning hours, sometimes catching 100’s of fish, was one of her favorite pastimes. Later in life after retiring from farming, she took a job at Grand Central deli, where she enjoyed serving customers and making new friends. She enjoyed the time she spent with friends and family. There were many fun times, adventures and lots of late-night card games with special friends, Dick and Deanna Arbuck. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Maudie Plock; and brother, Leslie Plock; father and mother-in-law, Floyd L. and Blanche Smith; sister-in-law, Marion Toon; and brothers-in-law Dick Smith and Jerry Smith. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 62 years, Duane; daughter, Tammy Styskal and her husband Jeremy; daughter, Donell King-Smith and wife Heather and their son Jakob Guerra. Also surviving are lifelong friend, Deanna Arbuck; Luna, her beloved Pomeranian. She will be fondly remembered, dearly loved, and greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Tributes

Donna M. Smith

April 14, 1941 - March 8, 2024