Dana L Smith

Dana L. Smith, 42, lost her courageous battle with brain cancer on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Funeral services will be 10 am Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Lutheran Church of Hope with interment at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation at Lutheran Church of Hope from 5-8 pm Friday, April 16, 2010.

Dana was born on January 24, 1968 in St. Louis, MO the daughter of James and Judith (Crawford) Schreck. She graduated from Valley High School in 1986 and Iowa State University in 1990. Her career included being a manager for The Limited, Human Resources Manager for Investment Company Data and the last ten years as a Sr. Recruiter for the Palmer Group, during which time she obtained her PHR designation.

Dana was an active member of Lutheran Church of Hope, Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Amazing Women Support Group and SHRM.

She is survived by her sons Connor and Gage Smith of Waukee; father and stepmother, Jim and Nancy of Clive; maternal grandmother, Dorothy Crawford of Des Moines; sisters, Erin (Chris) Barfels of Clive, Amy Schreck of Urbandale; brother Jamie (Jen) Schreck of Thornton, CO; stepsisters, Carey (Mike) Rafferty of Denver, Co; Katey (J.) Hartzell of Urbandale; Kelsey (Luke) Brody of Portland, OR; and “Auntie” to 10 special nieces and nephews.

Dana was preceded in death by her mother Judith, maternal grandfather William Crawford and paternal grandparents Amos and Kathryn Schreck.

Dana was a loving and caring mother to Connor and Gage. She enjoyed scrap- booking and preserving every moment with a photo. She loved the 4th of July in Clear Lake and her recent trip to Disney World with her boys. Dana took great joy in bringing people together, could make anyone laugh, and had a special wink that her dad will never forget. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. “Dana’s the best!”

The family would like to thank Dana’s special angels who provided so much loving care and comfort these last two and a half years. Dana was always overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness shown to her every day and night. A special thank you to Dr. Buroker, Dr. Deming, Dr. Janus and the Duke University Medical staff, as well as the nursing staff on Powell 3 and the incredible staff at Mercy Hospice.

Memorials may be directed to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University or Lutheran Church of Hope. Tributes may be made to danasmiraclejourney.com.