Marcus, Iowa – Donna J. Smith, 83, of Marcus passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2014 at Heartland Care Center in Marcus surrounded by her family. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2014 at Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus. Rev. Kevin Roop will officiate. Burial will follow at Marcus Amherst Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at Peace Lutheran Church.

Donna Jean Smith was born on July 15, 1930 in Marcus, Iowa to Fred Sr. and Clara (Van Sickle) Hoxsie. She attended school in Marcus and graduated from Marcus High School in 1948. She furthered her education by attending beauty college in Sioux City, Iowa. After graduation, Donna operated a beauty shop in Marcus.

On March 1, 1952 Donna and Alvin “Ab” Smith were united in marriage in South Sioux City, Nebraska. They made their home in Marcus where Donna raised her children and also drove a school bus for handicapped children. In later years, she worked at Walmart in Le Mars. She became a resident at Heartland Care Center on September 30, 2006.

Donna was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus. She was an accomplished bowler and enjoyed cooking, baking and working with ceramics. Donna was known for her kindness and care of others, sense of humor and her love for her family. She was the sunshine in their lives.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Alvin “Ab” Smith of Marcus, a son and his wife, Steven and Shari Smith of Oyens, Iowa; a daughter and her husband, Denise and Allan “Red” Dreckman of Remsen, Iowa; three grandchildren, Dustin L. Hansen, Danny Smith and Mikayla Smith; a sister, Audrey Smith of Yankton, South Dakota; and a sister-in-law, Delores Hoxsie of Le Mars, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Daniel L. Smith; a brother, Fred Hoxsie, Jr.; and a brother-in-law, Leonard Smith.

Donna’s family wishes to thank the “special angels” at the Heartland Care Center and Hospice of Siouxland for the loving care they provided.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna J. Smith, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.