Donna Jean Smith, age 88, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Ramsey Village in Des Moines, IA. Donna was born in Des Moines, IA, on February 21, 1938, to parents William and Virginia McCloskey. Donna attended West Des Moines Valley High School and graduated in 1956, also that same year she married her loving husband, Fred Smith.
Donna and Fred had two wonderful children, Steve and Shari. Donna worked at Pioneer Hybrid for 25 years in various positions. In her free time, she loved to sew and loved to gift her crafts to her friends. She also enjoyed spending time with her kids. Donna loved to travel with her husband Fred; France, Austria, Hawaii, and San Francisco just to name a few of the stops.
Donna is survived by her loving husband, Fred F Smith; children, Steve Smith and Shari Smith; brother, George (Mary-Ann) McCloskey; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death are her parents, William and Virginia McCloskey; brother, Duane “Mac” McCloskey; and sister-in-law, Helen McCloskey.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at McLaren’s Chapel, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA. Visitation will occur one hour prior, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow funeral service at Resthaven Cemetery, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA.
Memorial contributions can be directed to St. Jude’s or Shriner’s Hospital in honor of Donna.
