Donna R. Smith
November 25, 1935 ~ September 25, 2013
Donna R. Smith, 77, Monrovia, died peacefully at home September 25, 2013. Mrs. Smith was born November 25, 1935, in Indianapolis, the oldest daughter of the late David Armitage and Pauline (Mitchell) Cook.
Donna graduated from Warren Central High School and later earned a degree from IUPUI when she was in her fifties. Donna worked at Paul Hadley Middle School, was the owner of Donna Jo’s, and retired from Environmental Management. She was a longtime member of the First Christian Church, Mooresville. More recently, she attended the Church at Mt. Gilead and Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, Hall. Donna was a busy family lady and always active in her community. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, coached little league, had been a Scout Den Mother, and was a Prayer Warrior through her church affiliations. She loved horses, dogs, and spending time on her farm. Above all, Donna was strongly devoted to her family and was a very faithful cheerleader on the sidelines of many sporting events for her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce L. Smith.
Survivors include her children, Mike Smith (Sheila) of Mooresville, Karen Strohmeyer (Eric) of Mooresville, and Steve Smith (Susan) of Monrovia; brother, David “Butch” Armitage (Gloria); sister, Casey Peck (Roy) of Missouri; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Sarah), Matthew, and Heather (Damon); Danielle, Brittany, Bradley, Kelsey, and Brayton; Dalton and Ashley; three step grandchildren.
The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, September 30, 2013, in the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, with calling there from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, September 29, 2013. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, the Church at Mt. Gilead, or to Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, Hall. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Spent so much time at Bruce and Donna’s home doing my high school years, always made me feel like family. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort provide the much needed comfort for you at this difficult time. Jesus promises at John 5:28, 29, that ‘ those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.’ My deepest sympathy.
Donna was always a true Lady Pioneer and was one of our most ardent fans for the MHS Lady Pioneer Basketball Team. She was always kind and generous to the girls and especially to me. We need more mothers like her in our basketball program. A terrific lady in every way. Just take a look at her children and grand kids and you’ll know exactly what I mean. Coach Joe Johnson
Sorry we could not be there. But, loved them both. They were very special people. Our prayers are with you all. Your cousin Lynn and Bill Rose.
Thinking of all of you,and the memories we had with your mom and dad. I remember your mom had us over to their house so often, and we always enjoyed ourselves. Mike,you were John’s favorite one on the ‘Babe Ruth’ league,and Karen,you were the best babysitter we ever had. Steve,we loved you too! Always remember what a wonderful woman Donna was,and how her smile would light up a room! God bless you….Sue Bryson
When I heard of Donna’s passing the first thoughts were – what a wonderful, loving woman that always had a smile on her face and genuinely happy to see you. The first year I had attempted a sport she coached me in softball. She was patient and kind to someone that was totally clueless about what I was doing. That year we came in 2nd place in the league and you would have thought we won the World series! What a blessing to have had such a special person touch my life. May God wrap his loving arms around the Family and give them comfort, peace and strength.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to the Smith family. Dave Carrender
Steve & Karen: I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time. Bill Hoffman
I am saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. We were classmates at Warren. I remember Donna as someone who treated everyone the same. Always smiling, positive and friendly. When I would see her at class reunions, it was the same Donna, as if no time had passed. I feel fortunate to have known her, and I know she will be greatly missed. Jake Gumberts, Class of 54
Jake Gumberts….contact me.
Definition of ‘true friend’ could very well be Donna Ruth Armitage Smith. Photos, I have many. Memories, I have millions. When Donna and I were five years old we found a ‘best friend’ friendship that became a ‘forever’ friendship that could only be challenged in later years by involvement in activities of God’s blessings of our children and grandchildren. What an honor to have been called ‘best friend’ by Donna. Eleanor (nee Ingersoll) Adams Warren Central High School Class of ’54