Esther Darnella Smits Doonan

Esther passed on February 19, 2025 at the age of 100. She was born March 3, 1924 on a farm near Lacey, Iowa to John and Hattie (Van Kooten) Van Arkel. Esther had two brothers, James (deceased) and Howard (deceased); and three sisters Ila Ketter(deceased), Carolyn Trumbore(deceased), and Joann Fortier(deceased).

Esther earned a degree in Education from Central College in Pella, Iowa. She married Frank Smits in Prairie City, Iowa on August 15, 1946 and moved to Pueblo, CO soon after.

Esther and Frank had four boys John(Loretta), George(deceased), Ronald(Holly), and James(Monica), and were married for 53 years. After Frank's passing in 1999 Esther married James W. Doonan and resided in Pueblo, CO until Jim's passing in 2018.

Grandchildren are Jeffrey Smits (Bita), Reuben Smits (Ashley), Preston Smits (Ashlee deceased), David (Anna) Smits, Julianna Busick (John), Tyler Smits and Noelle Smits. Great Grandchildren: A J Smits, Luke Smits, Noah Smits, Hannah Smits, Eve Smits, Maisie Smits, Llewelyn Smits, Frederick Smits, John Smits, Mason Busick, Wesley Busick and Cole Busick.

Esther left a legacy of love and support for her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Esther had a strong faith in her Lord Jesus and is resting in His arms.